Bail does not mean accused has been acquitted, says Tarar on Imran Khan's verdict

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Federal Minister for Information Atta Tarar has criticised what he called premature celebrations following a court's decision to grant bail to PTI founder Imran Khan in the £190 million corruption case.

Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Tarar reminded the public that bail does not mean acquittal, asserting that the trial is still ongoing and the charges are serious.

“They’re fooling themselves. Bail doesn’t equal innocence,” said Tarar, adding that the PTI founder has already been sentenced to 14 years in jail based on solid evidence presented during a transparent trial.

The minister accused Imran Khan of failing to explain in court how billions of rupees ended up with a well-known property tycoon. “Instead of providing evidence, PTI tried to hide behind the narrative of the ‘State of Madinah’,” he claimed.

Tarar criticised PTI’s reaction to the bail, saying, “People are celebrating bail as if it’s an acquittal. Even dacoits get bail. The trial is still underway.”

More to read: SC grants bail to Imran Khan in eight May 9 cases

On the May 9 cases, the minister said that trials are ongoing and that the public is aware of the planning behind those events. “The nation knows May 9 was premeditated. The PTI founder is unlikely to walk free anytime soon,” he stated.

He further alleged that the cabinet approved the controversial transfer of £190 million through a sealed envelope — a move he said exposed how the case was manipulated behind closed doors.

“The difference between bail and exoneration must be understood,” he emphasised. “Instead of facing justice, they’ve chosen to play the religion card.”