Foreign funding case against IK: Defence, prosecution clash over procedural scrutiny

ISLAMABAD: The high-profile foreign funding case against jailed former prime minister Imran Khan continued to spark courtroom tension on Thursday, with defence and prosecution clashing over procedural scrutiny. The case, being heard by Banking Court Judge Abdul Ghafoor Kakar, saw Special Prosecutor Wasiq Malik and Khan’s counsel Fathullah Burki in a heated exchange. Burki raised objections over the absence of a copy of the charge sheet for his client. “We have not yet been provided with a copy of the charge sheet, ” he told the court. Malik countered that the charge sheet had already been submitted and was under scrutiny by the court registrar. “That may be so, but under which law is the registrar scrutinising the charge sheet, ” Burki shot back, visibly perturbed. In an unusual aside, he added: “I even asked ChatGPT but did not receive any response. ” The defence demanded that the prosecution clarify the legal basis for the registrar’s role, prompting Malik to respond tersely: “Perhaps they are not aware that in special courts, the registrar conducts scrutiny of the charge sheet. If they are asking ChatGPT, what answer should I give them. ” The remark appeared to inflame tensions further. Malik insisted he was not in court to provide guidance to the defence and reaffirmed that the scrutiny of the foreign funding case charge sheet remains ongoing. The hearing was adjourned until May 11. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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