An anti-corruption court has issued arrest warrants for Khawar Maneka, the former husband of Bushra Bibi, wife of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, and his son Musa Maneka. The warrants stem from their failure to appear in court regarding a land grab and tax evasion case.
Special Judge Asif Bashir has directed the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) Okara to apprehend both suspects and present them in court on July 9. The decision comes after Khawar and Musa Maneka missed two consecutive court hearings, prompting the judge to issue non-bailable arrest warrants.
According to the prosecution, Khawar Maneka is accused of illegally constructing 26 shops and a marriage hall on a four-kanal piece of land designated for the Pir Islam Graveyard in Haveli Lakha. The construction was reportedly carried out without the necessary map approval, highlighting severe breaches of legal and ethical standards.
In addition to the land grab allegations, Maneka faces charges of tax evasion. Following the registration of the case, authorities reported that Maneka attempted to flee the country from Lahore airport, further complicating his legal standing.
The case has drawn significant attention due to the high-profile connections of the accused. Khawar Maneka, once closely linked to the political elite, now finds himself entangled in a legal battle that underscores the government’s intensified efforts to tackle corruption and uphold the rule of law.
As the July 9 court date approaches, all eyes will be on the proceedings, which promise to reveal more details about the alleged misconduct and the broader implications for the anti-corruption drive in Pakistan. The outcome could set a precedent for similar cases, emphasizing the importance of accountability regardless of one’s social or political stature.