Imran Khan accepts depositing SKMT funds in housing project

Former prime minister Imran Khan acknowledged on Saturday depositing money for the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust (SKMT) in a private housing project, according to local media.

The information was revealed during the defamation lawsuit hearing for Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, which was filed for Rs 10 billion. Imran Khan used a video link to appear in court from his Zaman Park home in Lahore.

Judge Umeed Ali Baloch of the Additional Sessions heard the case. During the hearing, Khawaja Asif and Imran’s attorneys were also present.

Through a video link, Asif’s attorney Barrister Haider Rasul cross-examined Imran and questioned the PTI leader about the use of SKMT funds to invest in a private housing project.

Imran confirmed putting the money toward the endeavour and said that the SKMT board had informed him of the investment. He claimed that, at the moment, he was unable to recall the project’s name.

Imran Khan also tweeted in 2016 addressing the issue.

The attorney enquired as to whether the board had given him written notice. Imran retorted that he could not recall whether the message had been sent orally or in writing.

The board members had returned $3 million, according to the ousted prime minister, and the situation was resolved. According to Asif’s attorney, things were just getting started and that wasn’t the end of the situation.

“The dollar rate was Rs60 when the cash was invested, and it was Rs120 when the amount was refunded,” he said.

Imran asserted that the situation could be swiftly resolved if the lawyer addressed the issue head-on rather than posing “useless questions.”

The former prime minister stated that he would inform if he could attend the upcoming hearing after reviewing his calendar.

The court then adjourned the case till further hearing.