Nothing wrong in supporting Imran’s political, charitable causes: Zulfi Bukhari

LONDON: Zulfi Bukhari, multi-millionaire British Pakistani businessman and Imran Khan’s aide and friend, has said that he has given donations to Imran Khan for both his political and charitable causes and ‘there’s nothing wrong or immoral in that.’

Zulfi Bukhari defended having offshore companies and said that it was “legal and common practice for companies & businessmen like myself to establish commercial entities in different jurisdictions.”

Bukhari spoke out after it was revealed in a report by Umar Cheema for The News that he and his family are linked with six known offshore companies.

Zulfi Bukhari’s name rang far and wide because of his close association with Imran Khan and PTI leader’s public statement on April 17 in which he thanked Zulfi Bukhari for “contributing £150,000 towards Namal College”. Imran Khan thanked Zulfi in reference to a private fundraiser held in London last month which was attended by only a selected few.

It can be confirmed that Zulfi Bukhari has donated for various projects of Imran Khan in the tune of millions over the last five years. Bukhari’s father Wajid Hussain Bukhari was the environment minister in Pervez Musharraf’s cabinet and his uncle is a key leader of PTI from Islamabad.

Wajid Bukhari’s father belongs to karma, Attock and his elder brother Ejaz bukhari is sitting PTI MPA from Attock city.

Zulfi Bukhari said that he was happy to support Imran Khan and his support was not “ulterior”. 

“I'm happy to donate & support a friend in the political & charitable work he does. I'm no 'financier' & my donations aren't ulterior. I am proud to support Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Namal College as well as other noble causes. Like other UK Pakistani businessmen I have and will continue to invest in Pakistan and its people by supporting important causes.”

Zulfi Bukhari explained that his personal as well as family's businesses have been in the UK for over several decades and all his money is legitimate. It is understood that Zulfi Bukhari has vast property interests in the central London areas of Swiss Cottage, Knightsbridge, Mayfair, Hampstead and Canary Wharf.

Zulfi Bukhari did not say whether this was the case but it’s understood that most of his businesses are controlled through offshore shells which is a common practice in the UK as well as elsewhere in the world. Offshore companies are established to avoid paying taxes.

Zulfi Bukhari said: “We must hold these politicians accountable for the sake of transparency, and not allow them to deflect from their own murky affairs. The public have a right to know and ought to demand answers from them.”

Zulfi Bukhari said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his “cronies” must be asked about their financial affairs as well as their family members.

“The PM of Pakistan is obligated to answer to the public. Perhaps one should look at parties & politicians that seem to suspiciously fund themselves as well as their inner circles & friends.”

Zulfi Bukhari has denied it but it’s also understood that Dr Tahirul Qadri and Imran Khan had held their secret meeting at Zulfi's office near Mayfair.

Imran Khan, Aleem Khan and Jahangir Khan Tareen reportedly held meeting with forensic experts at the same office to initiate private investigations against members of the Sharif family. A source said that Bukhari continues his negotiations with a forensic team and an announcement in this regard may be made soon.

Umar Cheema said in his report that Sayed Zulfikar Abbas Bokhari (Zulfi Bokhari) has been identified in connection with the offshore companies he owned along with his two sisters.

K-Factor Limited, Bradbury Resources Ltd, Bayteck Limited, Bayla Trading Limited, Poreim Trading Limited and Ganstam Trading Limited are among the shell companies allegedly owned by Bukhari.