ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Banking Court has ordered the Federal Investigation Agency to submit a complete revised challan in the foreign funding case against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan and others by March 5, marking a significant development in the long-running legal proceedings.
The directive came during a hearing presided over by Judge Abdul Ghafoor Kakar on Friday, where the FIA informed the court of its decision to revise the charge sheet following the inclusion of two new suspects in the investigation.
Special Prosecutor Wasiq Malik appeared before the court and explained that a partial challan had already been submitted earlier. He highlighted that the addition of the new accused necessitated a fresh compilation of the document to incorporate all relevant details from the expanded probe.
The two newly included suspects are PTI Chief Finance Officer Siraj Ahmed and Faisal Qazi, an employee of a private bank. Both individuals were summoned by the court for questioning as part of the ongoing inquiry into alleged prohibited foreign funding received by the party.
The court granted interim bail to Siraj Ahmed and Faisal Qazi until March 5, ensuring their appearance on the next date while the revised challan is prepared and filed. This measure reflects the judiciary’s emphasis on procedural fairness amid the case’s complexities.
The foreign funding case, often referred to as the prohibited funding matter, traces its origins to allegations that PTI received unlawful contributions from foreign sources in violation of election laws. In August 2022, the Election Commission of Pakistan ruled that the party had indeed accepted prohibited funds, including approximately $2.1 million from various overseas entities and individuals.
Key donors cited in earlier findings included companies and nationals from the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Cayman Islands, and other jurisdictions. Notable mentions involved entities linked to businessman Arif Naqvi, such as Wootton Cricket Limited, alongside others like Bristol Engineering Services and E-Planet Trustees.
The Election Commission of Pakistan’s verdict prompted further action, leading to the transfer of the matter for criminal investigation. The Federal Investigation Agency took over the probe, focusing on potential violations under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act and election finance regulations.
Over the years, the case has seen multiple procedural steps, including partial challans and court directions for expeditious completion. Earlier in February 2026, the FIA had informed the banking court that the challan process was nearing completion, only for the recent inclusion of new suspects to require revisions.
Judge Kakar has previously expressed concern over delays in the matter, which dates back several years. During prior hearings, the court urged the investigation agency to avoid further postponements and ensure comprehensive documentation.
The addition of Siraj Ahmed and Faisal Qazi broadens the scope of the inquiry, potentially examining financial transactions and banking records related to the alleged funds. Their involvement suggests the FIA is scrutinizing internal party handling of donations alongside external sources.
Imran Khan, the central figure in the case, remains incarcerated on multiple convictions unrelated to this matter, though the foreign funding proceedings continue to draw attention amid Pakistan’s polarized political landscape.
The case holds implications for political financing transparency in the country. It underscores ongoing debates about the regulation of overseas contributions to political parties and the enforcement of electoral laws.
Prosecutors have maintained that the funds in question were not permissible under the applicable legal framework at the time of receipt. The defense has historically argued that many donations came from overseas Pakistanis and predated stricter prohibitions introduced in later amendments.
With the March 5 deadline now set, the court has adjourned the hearing to the same date for submission of the revised challan and further proceedings. This timeline provides the FIA approximately two weeks to finalize the document, as requested by the special prosecutor who sought 10 to 15 days.
Legal observers note that the outcome of this phase could influence subsequent trial stages, including framing of charges and witness testimonies. The banking court’s oversight ensures adherence to timelines in what has been a protracted investigation.
The development arrives against the backdrop of broader discussions on accountability and judicial efficiency in high-profile cases. As the revised challan is awaited, the foreign funding case remains a focal point in Pakistan’s legal and political discourse.