The Farcical Case of Al-Qadir Trust Against Chairman Imran Khan
In a recent statement, Imran Khan's lawyer, Intazar Hussain Panjutha, shed light on the operations of Al-Qadir Trust University, emphasizing its alignment with the principles established in the trust contract, similar to the functioning of Shaukat Khanum Hospital under an independent board.
Panjhuta clarified that all decisions, from hiring to construction and any transactions, are exclusively made by the board, with Imran Khan playing no direct role in these day-to-day affairs. The lawyer highlighted the pivotal role of Imran Khan as the pioneer, clarifying this role through the Trust Deed.
He read out Clause 3 of the Trust Deed, underscoring its aims and objectives, including the establishment of Al-Qadir University across disciplines, additional educational institutes nationwide, and the provision of quality education irrespective of socio-economic backgrounds.
Panjhuta emphasized that the institution was founded to address the educational needs of those unable to afford quality education, offering a unique blend of modern scientific and religious education under one roof.
Turning to monetary policies, Panjhuta highlighted that the Trust Deed's terms align with those of Imran Khan's other charitable institutions, emphasizing the crucial Clause 10.2 stating that the trustee, including Imran Khan, is not entitled to any remuneration.
He underscored the point that neither Imran Khan nor his relatives have received any benefit throughout the project.
He also emphasized the non-transferability of trust property, income, or assets for personal gain, ensuring the perpetual dedication of these resources to educational purposes. The Trust Deed also outlines the process for changing trustees, ensuring the continuity of the institution's educational mission beyond Imran Khan's tenure.
In essence, Panjhuta's comprehensive explanation seeks to reassure the public about the transparent and altruistic nature of Al-Qadir Trust University, dispelling any concerns related to financial impropriety or personal gain.
Intazar Hussain Panjutha Presser’s Transcript
Al-Qadir Trust University is working on the same lines as Shaukat Khanum Hospital which is also being run by an independent board.
All decisions, for example about hiring, or construction, or any buying or selling, everyday affairs, and anything related to the running of the institution, all those decisions are taken by the board. Imran Khan has no role of any sort in that.
Imran Khan is the pioneer, and the role of the pioneer is explained clearly in this document. First, I will present to you the most important thing of all. This Trust Deed contains the aims and objects (sic) for creating the Trust at that time, and which (the aims) will always remain. Let me read this out to you. Clause 3 contains the aims and objectives of the Trust. The first point is, "to set up Al-Qadir University in various disciplines including Islamic Studies and Sciences." That is the first objective.
The second objective is "to set up any additional educational institutes, schools, colleges, and/or universities across the country for the promotion of education in Pakistan."
The third point is "to provide quality education to all sections of the society regardless of their caste, creed, race, religion or financial standings."
So these briefly were the aims and objectives. There are more here and I will hand over this (document) to you. You can read it in detail and tell everyone about it as well.
This institution was primarily created for the people who cannot get quality education, those who cannot afford to pay the fees for an expensive education. The purpose was to create an institution where modern scientific education would be given along with religious education, all under one roof.
Because, as you know, in Pakistan religious education is provided through certain channels and science is taught through other channels like universities and other institutions. So, Imran Khan has brought them both under the same roof by founding the Al-Qadir Trust University.
Now let’s come to Mr. Khan’s role in the Trust Deed, especially regarding the monetary policy.
The monetary policy written in this Trust Deed has exactly the same status that is found in that of Imran Khan’s Shaukat Khanam Cancer Hospital, NAML University, and his previous (charitable) institutions. It has the same terms and conditions. This is no different from the rest of them. One of the most basic things that you all should know, the entire nation needs to know, is what is written is Clause 10.2 which is, "The trustee is not to receive any remuneration”. Meaning no kind of salary, benefit, or perk can be given to Imran Khan or to his wife from this project.
Therefore, it is very important to clarify that right from the onset, no benefit of any kind has been given to Imran Khan nor his relatives anywhere during this project, even while the NAB [National Accountability Bureau] investigation was being conducted.
I will inform you about the NAB case as well. But because this is important and needs to be highlighted that is why we are here today (talking about it) before you.
Along with that, a second point that is of utmost importance is that “No trust property, income and/or trust property shall be paid, transferred directly or indirectly by way of profit, dividends, bonus or otherwise to any of its trustees or their relatives.”
Even though there are only two trustees, their relatives are also included in this clause. This is in case a situation arises in the future after these trustees have passed away.
It clarifies that no trustee can benefit personally from the properties (belonging to this Trust) in any way, nor can they transfer any part of its assets under their name, nor can their relatives use any of its (Trust's) properties to their benefit. Therefore, this trust and its purpose will always remain as it stands now. Its properties will always be owned by the Trust. This also includes the process in which the trustees can be changed. If the trustee does not remain the trustee any longer, that is, Imran Khan is a trustee for life, but even after him, the Trust will be used solely for educational purposes. This is included in the (Trust) Deed.
Write-up by: Umer Azad
Translated by: #SubtitledByPTI
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