By: Ch. Muhammad Natiq: Background of a Controversy. Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan is once again under scrutiny due to his long-standing association with financier Arif Naqvi, founder of the now-collapsed Abraaj Group. The controversy spans alleged financial misconduct, money laundering, and foreign funding violations—issues that may have serious legal and political implications both at home and abroad.
How It All Began:
Imran Khan’s association with Arif Naqvi intensified during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Naqvi, once a key figure in global finance, was appointed as a special representative to channel pandemic-related aid from philanthropist Bill Gates into Pakistan. However, Naqvi was already facing multiple fraud and money laundering charges in the United States and UAE. Despite this, he was granted a critical role in Pakistan’s relief operations.
According to official documents, Naqvi reportedly transferred $2.1 million to Khan’s political party, PTI, through his firm Wootton Cricket Limited. While Naqvi claimed the funds were legal and traceable, questions remain about the total amount transferred and its actual use.
Legal Trouble Deepens:
Naqvi has been detained in the UK since 2019 and is fighting extradition to the U.S., where he faces 16 counts of fraud. During his arrest, he provided UK authorities with seven contact numbers one of which belonged to Imran Khan suggesting high-level political connections.
Subsequent investigations by the FBI allegedly revealed that Naqvi embezzled COVID-19 relief funds. A portion of that money—reportedly $35 million—was transferred to a fake PTI account. When the U.S. raised concerns, Pakistani authorities promised full cooperation. Bill Gates also visited Pakistan in early 2022 to seek accountability, but his calls for recovery were reportedly dismissed by Khan’s office.
Fallout and Diplomatic Strains:
As the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan in 2021, relations with Pakistan grew tense. American officials reportedly withheld formal communications with Khan due to the ongoing investigation. Khan publicly complained about not receiving a call from President Joe Biden. Later, U.S. officials shared detailed evidence with Pakistani authorities, prompting the reopening of PTI’s foreign funding case in Pakistan.
To avoid extradition, Khan’s domestic legal troubles were allegedly revived to preempt international prosecution. In response, Khan began accusing the U.S. of orchestrating a conspiracy to remove his government—a claim he used to mobilize public support.
Political Strategy and Public Sentiment:
Imran Khan’s sudden shift in narrative, from anti-American rhetoric to softer diplomatic tones, has raised eyebrows. Sources suggest he was warned of potential arrest and extradition if his rhetoric didn’t de-escalate. However, reversing his stance now risks political isolation and loss of public support.
Observers believe Khan’s public confrontation with state institutions was a strategic move to portray himself as a victim of global and domestic conspiracies. Yet, as pressure mounts, more disclosures and potential legal consequences may follow.
