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Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan, wife Bushra Bibi convicted in land corruption case

Notably, only Khan and Bibi have faced prosecution in this case, as the other defendants, including a property tycoon, were outside of Pakistan.

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A Pakistani court on January 17 sentenced former Prime Minister Imran Khan to 14 years in prison and his wife, Bushra Bibi, to seven years after both were found guilty of corruption in the £190 million Al-Qadir Trust case.

The verdict was delivered by Judge Nasir Javed Rana of the anti-corruption court, which had previously postponed the announcement three times, the latest being on January 13, due to various reasons. The ruling was issued in a makeshift court located inside Adiala Jail.

In addition to their prison sentences, Khan was imposed a fine of Rs 1 million, while Bushra Bibi was fined Rs 500,000. If they fail to pay these fines, Khan could face an additional six months in prison, and Bibi three months. Furthermore, the court mandated the confiscation of land associated with Al-Qadir University, which was established by the couple.

Khan, already incarcerated since August 2023, witnessed his wife being arrested following the verdict. Expressing his views, Khan remarked that the ruling has damaged the judiciary’s reputation, asserting that he derived no personal benefit from the actions in question, nor did the government incur any loss. He indicated his willingness to confront all allegations, claiming, “A dictator is doing all this.”

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) filed the case in December 2023 against Khan, aged 72, Bibi, aged 50, and six others, accusing them of inflicting a £190 million (approximately Rs 50 billion) loss to the national treasury. Notably, only Khan and Bibi have faced prosecution in this case, as the other defendants, including a property tycoon, were outside of Pakistan.

The case centers on accusations that the Rs 50 billion returned to Pakistan by the UK’s National Crime Agency, following a settlement with the mentioned tycoon, was misappropriated. Allegedly intended for the national treasury, these funds were purportedly misused for the personal gain of the businessman who assisted Khan and Bibi in establishing the university. Bibi, in her capacity as a trustee of the Al-Qadir Trust, faces allegations of benefitting from this settlement by acquiring 458 kanals of land for the university in Jhelum.

Judge Rana concluded the hearings in this case on December 18 but postponed the judgment until December 23. Following this, the verdict date was pushed to January 6, only to be deferred again due to the judge being on leave. The anticipated judgment was further delayed on January 13 when the accused and their legal representatives were absent.

This verdict emerged during ongoing negotiations between Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and the government, aimed at resolving the political instability caused by Khan’s imprisonment and that of other PTI leaders. To date, three rounds of discussions have taken place, with the PTI submitting their written charter of demands to the government. Since his ousting as Prime Minister in 2022, Khan has been entangled in multiple legal cases.

Latest world news

India, Canada discuss trade pact to boost bilateral commerce

India and Canada discussed advancing negotiations on a proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement aimed at expanding trade, investment and market access between the two countries.

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India canada trade pacts

India and Canada discussed advancing negotiations on a proposed trade agreement as the two countries seek to strengthen their economic and commercial ties.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met Canada’s Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu, who is leading a Canadian delegation to India. The discussions focused on advancing negotiations for the proposed India-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

The proposed pact is aimed at creating greater market access and opening up new opportunities for trade and investment between the two countries.

India-Canada CEPA talks

Both sides discussed the importance of a balanced and mutually beneficial agreement that can make use of the complementary strengths of the two economies.

The discussions also focused on deepening commercial engagement and creating new opportunities for businesses in both countries.

Goyal said the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to taking the India-Canada economic partnership to a higher level, with CEPA serving as a catalyst for deeper commercial engagement.

India and Canada are working towards concluding the CEPA negotiations by the end of 2026.

India-Canada trade

The proposed CEPA is aimed at improving market access and creating opportunities across sectors while strengthening the broader economic relationship between India and Canada.

The agreement is expected to provide greater opportunities for businesses in both countries and support deeper trade and investment ties.

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Latest world news

White House put on temporary lockdown after car crashes into signpost

The White House was temporarily placed under lockdown after a car crashed into a signpost near Lafayette Square in Washington, DC. The driver was detained after a confrontation with security personnel.

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The White House was placed under a temporary lockdown on Monday after a car crashed into a signpost at Lafayette Square near the presidential residence in Washington, DC.

The incident triggered a security response in the area, with the US Secret Service directing members of the White House press corps to move indoors and remain there temporarily.

Driver detained after confrontation with security personnel

The driver was detained following a confrontation with Secret Service officers and National Guard personnel, according to reports.

Video footage showed a silver sedan on the paved area at the northern end of Lafayette Square after striking a signpost. Smoke was also seen coming from the vehicle.

Authorities had not immediately disclosed the driver’s identity or established what led to the crash.

White House security restrictions imposed

The security response prompted temporary restrictions around the White House. The incident occurred at Lafayette Square, which is directly across Pennsylvania Avenue from the presidential complex.

At around 10 am local time, Secret Service personnel instructed White House journalists to move indoors while security personnel dealt with the incident.

The White House was under the security restriction while President Donald Trump was at the premises, according to reports.

Motive behind crash remains unclear

It was not immediately known whether the crash was accidental or deliberate. Authorities had also not immediately confirmed whether anyone was injured.

The circumstances surrounding the incident, including the driver’s identity and possible motive, remained under investigation.

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Football news

Cristiano Ronaldo announces retirement from international football

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to his 23-year career with Portugal after 234 appearances and 146 goals.

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Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing his 23-year career with Portugal towards an end.

The 41-year-old Portugal captain said he would hand back the No. 7 shirt of the national team after the November international break. Ronaldo made the announcement in a video message shared on social media.

The decision marks the end of one of the most decorated international careers in men’s football. Ronaldo has made 234 appearances for Portugal and scored 146 goals, both records at international level.

Ronaldo’s Portugal career comes to an end

Ronaldo made his Portugal debut in 2003 and went on to represent the country across more than two decades.

He helped Portugal win their first major international trophy at Euro 2016. He was also part of the teams that won the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.

Ronaldo’s international career also included six World Cup appearances. His final World Cup came in 2026, when Portugal were eliminated by eventual champions Spain in the last 16.

Ronaldo reflects on 23 years with Portugal

Announcing his decision, Ronaldo said it was not an easy choice and described his time representing Portugal as a privilege and responsibility.

He thanked his family, the Portuguese people, as well as the teammates, coaches and staff who were part of his international journey.

Ronaldo also said that Portugal would always remain a part of him.

Record-breaking international career

Ronaldo leaves the Portugal setup as the men’s all-time leading international goalscorer and the player with the most international appearances.

His 146 goals came across 234 appearances for Portugal. He also became one of only two players, alongside Lionel Messi, to feature at six World Cups.

His international career included major individual records as well as team honours, making his departure one of the biggest moments in modern international football.

What happens next

Ronaldo’s announcement comes after he said he would hand back Portugal’s No. 7 shirt following the November international break.

Portugal have Nations League fixtures during the November window, but Ronaldo’s announcement means his international career is now set to conclude after that break.

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