Imran’s wife Bushra Bibi freed after nearly 9 months following bail in new Toshakhana case [Update @ Post#413]

Imran alleges Bushra's food contaminated with toilet cleaner​


Former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan claimed on Friday that his wife, Bushra Bibi, was given food mixed with "toilet cleaner."

During the hearing of the £190 million corruption reference in Rawalpindi's Adiala jail, Imran informed Judge Nasir Javed Rana that additional walls had been erected in the courtroom, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a closed court.

Khan said that Shaukat Khanum Hospital Chief Medical Officer Dr Asim Yousaf had recommended conducting Bushra Bibi's tests at Shifa International Hospital. However, he added that the jail administration was adamant about conducting the test at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Hospital.

Imran Khan informed the court that toilet cleaner had been mixed into Bushra Bibi's food, causing her health to deteriorate with daily stomach irritation.

The court advised Imran to refrain from holding "press conferences" during the hearings, to which Khan responded by stating that his statements are misquoted and he engages with journalists to clarify them.

The court stressed the importance of decorum, suggesting addressing the media after the hearing, to which Khan stated that the jail administration removes the media from the courtroom after the hearing.

He also requested that the court allow him a 10-minute interaction with the media after the hearings.

 
Bushra poisoned by Munir and Co. How low and disgusting can these contemporary gods get? As Bajwa has found to his cost, you will leave office one day and you will be at the minimum humiliated and IA in time you will have face your crimes. Like many Quran Hafiz, Munir may recite the Quran but the message has been missed because he doesn't know what he is reciting.
 
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The Accountability Court of Islamabad stopped the founder of PTI and his wife Bushra Bibi from speaking against the state institutions and their officials.

Accountability Court judge Nasir Javed Rana issued a major order on the request of the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf for a fair trial.

The order said that the court has also restrained from speaking in the court room against the state institutions and their officers during the trial.

According to the order, it is alleged that founder PTI made political, inflammatory, biased statements against respectable persons of state institutions, such statements also cause obstruction in the process of dispensation of justice, court decorum and fair trial. It is the responsibility of the court to take care of the requirements.

The order states that the prison authorities should restore the prison court to its pre-Eid position, the accused will not make political, inflammatory, biased statements even with reference to the state institutions and their officers.

The order stated that the media will not report the statements of the accused in the middle of the court proceedings of the trial, the prosecution, the accused and their lawyers will not make inflammatory, political, partisan statements during the hearing that may harm the court decorum, family members and Other lawyers who are present in the court will not make such rhetoric.

The order further asked the media to refrain from publishing political, inflammatory narratives targeting state institutions and their officials, subject to the PEMRA guidelines prohibiting discussion of pending cases. Yes, according to PEMRA Code of Conduct, the political statement of the accused does not come in legal reporting.

Dunya News
 
Toshakhana case: NAB launches fresh probe against PTI founder, Bushra Bibi

The anti-graft watchdog has issued call-up notices to Imran and Bushra and has sent a letter to the Deputy Superintendent of Adiala Jail, requesting their presence for the investigation.

On January 31, an Accountability Court (AC) awarded 14 years each imprisonment to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and his wife Bushra Bibi in the Toshakhana case.

The verdict was pronounced by AC Judge Muhammad Bashir. PTI founder and his wife were also disqualified from holding any public office for 10 years.

The judge also slapped a fine of Rs787 million.

Before this, Khan and his foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi were sentenced to 10 years in prison under the Official Secrets Act in connection with the cipher case.

A day later, they were sentenced to seven years in jail each in a case related to their marriage during the latter’s Iddat period.

However, on April 1, The Islamabad High Court (IHC) suspended 14-year jail sentence of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in the Toshakhana case.

 
Bushra Bibi challenges NAB summons

Bushra Bibi, the wife of former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan, has filed a challenge against the summons notice issued by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) regarding the Toshakhana investigation.

The application lodged by Bushra Bibi against the NAB summons notice is set for a hearing in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) today. The hearing will be presided over by Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri.

Represented by Barrister Salman Safdar Usman Riaz Gul and Khalid Yousuf Chaudhry, Bushra Bibi contests the NAB summons in connection with a new inquiry by the PTI government. The inquiry focuses on allegations of Bushra Bibi's involvement in the illicit sale of valuable gifts.

The application seeks the suspension of the NAB call-up notice until a verdict is reached on the challenge.

Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi have been embroiled in two distinct cases related to the Toshakhana, or state gift repository. In one instance, the couple received 14-year prison sentences, yet these were suspended by the Islamabad High Court in April.

This development comes after the NAB launched a fresh inquiry into the Toshakhana case involving Imran and the former first lady, Bushra Bibi.

The anti-graft watchdog has issued call-up notices to Imran and Bushra, alongside dispatching a letter to the deputy superintendent of Adiala Jail, requesting their presence for the ongoing investigation.

SOURCE: EXPRESS TRIBUNE
 
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday reserved its verdict on a petition filed by ex-premier Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi seeking her transfer form her Banigala residence — which had been declared a sub-jail — to Adiala Jail, where her husband is incarcerated.

Although the petition had been disposed of last month due to the former first lady’s lawyers failing to appear before the court, a plea was filed the same day seeking its restoration.

The former first lady was taken into custody on January 31 after an Islamabad accountability court sentenced her and Imran to 14 years in jail in the Toshakhana reference.

While the IHC had on April 1 suspended their sentences in the Toshakhana reference, she remains in custody in the Iddat case. Imran also remains incarcerated in other cases.

Following the Toshakhana verdict, Bushra had arrived at Adiala Jail, where the National Accountability Bureau’s team was already present, to surrender to the authorities. Subsequently, she was taken into custody by the anti-graft watchdog.

However, she was moved to her Banigala home after it was declared a sub-jail in a late-night notification. Her shifting to the residence has been under discussion for weeks as she and her husband denied submitting any application to declare the residence a sub-jail.

Almost a week after her arrest, Bushra Bibi had challenged the residence’s status as a sub-jail, urging the IHC to let her complete her 14-year sentence in Adiala Jail.

In a subsequent hearing, the Adiala Jail administration had opposed moving her back to the prison, claiming that overcrowding posed security threats for the former first lady.

In March, Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb had asked if the authorities sought permission from Imran before converting his Banigala residence into a sub-jail.

Justice Aurangzeb presided over the hearing today, during which lawyer Usman Gill appeared as Bushra Bibi’s counsel.

The hearing
At the outset of the hearing, Justice Aurangzeb asked Bushra Bibi’s counsel about what cases she had been indicted in and when.

Gill replied that his client was indicted in the Toshakhana and Iddat cases. “In both cases, the trial was carried out illegally,” Gill contended.

He noted that usually, an arrest warrant was issued after the conviction and was then sent to the jail superintendent. He highlighted that his client was not present in the court when the Toshakhana verdict was announced and had surrendered herself to the NAB.

After that, she was moved to Banigala on the orders of the chief commissioner, Gill recalled, adding that Banigala was declared a sub-jail under the Prison Act.

Here, Justice Aurangzeb asked Bushra’s counsel to read aloud the prison rules.

The counsel maintained that Bushra Bibi went to Adiala Jail as per the trial court order, which was forwarded to the Adiala jail superintendent. Later, on the orders of the interior ministry, the chief commissioner issued an “illegal notification for transfer”, Gill argued.

“There was no instruction from the authorities concerned regarding the transfer from Adiala Jail to Banigala,” the lawyer asserted, emphasising that the notification issued by the chief commissioner was not by an authority such as the jail superintendent.

“Neither the provincial government nor did the Punjab prisons inspector general issue any such directive [for transfer],” Gill said.

Addressing the counsel, Justice Aurangzeb asked what the process was for transferring prisoners from one province to another.

“The place of imprisonment was to be determined by the trial court and not the chief commissioner,” Gill replied, insisting that the imprisonment order was for Adiala Jail.

Gill requested that the chief commissioner’s notification to make the Banigala residence a subjail be declared unlawful.

The state counsel then presented his arguments.

At one point during the hearing, Gill highlighted that the entire process of shifting Bushra Bibi to Banigala was completed “in a single day within a matter of hours”.

Here, Justice Aurangzeb noted that according to the jail superintendent, there were more women in Adiala Jail than its capacity, which is why Bushra Bibi could not be accommodated there.

“I think it was decided beforehand that Bushra Bibi will be transferred to Banigala,” the judge remarked. “Does it seem to you that the notification was prepared in a minute? Do you not think that it had already been decided that Bushra Bibi has to be transferred?”

Addressing the state counsel, Justice Aurangzeb said, “on the one hand you say there is a security threat in the courts, and that the hearing will be held in jail. On the other hand, you say that there are security threats in jail [and let’s] transfer [her] to Banigala.”

The IHC judge asked how many women had been detained after incarcerating Bushra Bibi at her home. “Were the 141 women who were brought to Adiala after Bushra less privileged?” he asked, adding that they, too, should be imprisoned at their houses then.

At the state counsel reiterating that Bushra Bibi was sent to Banigala due to threats in jail, Justice Aurangzeb said, “You are still presenting a justification before the high court that you did the right thing and will also do the same in the future?”

“Fear the God; sometimes you say that [you] cannot present her in the court as there are threats and at times, you say that the jail is not secure. Are you secure?” the judge quipped.

“If I am confined in my home by my own will, I would be very happy,” Justice Aurangzeb remarked before wondering: “How can a prisoner’s property be turned into a sub-jail against his will?”

Subsequently, the IHC reserved its verdict on Bushra Bibi’s petition.

Source: Dawn News
 

Wife of former Pakistan PM Imran Khan moved to jail​


The wife of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was moved Wednesday from house arrest to the same jail as her husband, lawyers said, where the pair will serve matching prison terms for illegal marriage.

Khan's party has been targeted with a sweeping crackdown since nationwide protests erupted over his arrest on May 9 last year, which saw unprecedented anger directed at the military.

Bushra Bibi, 49, and Khan, 71, were both convicted of corruption and breaking Islamic marriage laws in the lead up to February's general election, which saw military-backed parties come to power.

Khan, who was also jailed for leaking state secrets, says the cases were designed to keep him from contesting.

"She has already been shifted to a female ward of the jail on her own request," Intazar Hussain Panjutha, a lawyer for Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, told AFP.

She had been held at the home she shared with Khan -- declared a sub-jail -- on the outskirts of the capital for the past three months.

Khan is also serving a concurrent 10-year term for leaking state secrets.

The divorced mother met Khan when he approached her for spiritual guidance and appear in public wearing a face-covering hijab.

She had made repeated requests to be "treated as a commoner" and taken to the prison, a spokesman for the party said.

- First anniversary -

The couple married just months before Khan was elected prime minister.

He was booted from power in April 2022 by a no-confidence vote after analysts said he fell out with the country's influential generals.

He went on to wage a defiant campaign against the establishment which culminated in thousands of supporters pouring onto the streets on May 9 when he was first arrested.

Army installations and government property were targeted in a public display of anger against the military that is rarely seen in Pakistan.

Thousands of supporters were detained and dozens of party leaders rounded up, decimating Khan's once unstoppable street power.

PTI said the first anniversary of the mass arrests on Thursday would be marked by rallies.

Just days before the national election, the pair were sentenced to seven years in prison for marrying too soon after her divorce in contradiction of Islamic law.

They had already been jailed for 14 years for corruption involving gifts he received while premier. The sentence was later suspended but the conviction still stands.

Despite the crackdown, PTI rattled the establishment by winning the most seats in February's election but kept from power by a coalition of usually feuding parties.

 
Bushra Bibi's rights violated in sub-jail: IHC

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has noted that by keeping former first last Bushra Bibi confined at a sub-jail and depriving her of interaction with other prisoners, the state not only made her sentence harsher but also transgressed her right to life guaranteed under Article 9 of the Constitution.

“The mere fact that the room where the petitioner [Bushra was] confined in the sub-jail [was] guarded by a prison ward [did] not mean that the petitioner [was] not in isolation,” said a 15-page written order issued by the IHC on Thursday.

On Wednesday, a single-member bench comprising Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb accepted Bushra’s request to transfer her from her husband former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Bani Gala residence to Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail.

Bushra, who was sentenced to 14 years in prison on January 31 along with Imran in a gift repository case, was confined to a room at Bani Gala which was declared a sub-jail on the order of Islamabad chief commissioner on the same day, January 31.

Busran later requested the IHC to transfer her to Adiala Jail in view of various concerns.

The IHC said that it has the power and responsibility to intervene and protect the prisoner against inter alia harsher restraints and heavier severities than the sentence carries.

It noted that the sentence of 14-year rigorous imprisonment awarded to Bushra had already been suspended; whereas the seven-year sentence awarded to her in another case was that of simple imprisonment.

“By keeping her in isolation at the sub-jail and depriving her of interaction with other prisoners, the state has not just made the sentence of simple imprisonment harsher and heavier but has also transgressed the petitioner’s right to life guaranteed under Article 9 of the Constitution,” it added.

The court noted that the entire Bani Gala was declared a sub-jail which implied that the said property could not be freely accessed by the petitioner’s children or family members as well as her husband’s children or family members unless specifically permitted by the superintendent or the court.

“In other words, the impugned notification dated 31.01.2024 [of Islamabad commissioner] has had the effect of requisitioning the said property in its entirety. The said property is admittedly in the use of government officials who have been assigned [its] responsibility of internal and external security.”

The IHC said there is nothing on the record to show that the consent of the owner of the property was obtained before the issuance of the January 31 notification.

“In this way, the state deprived the owner of Khan House of his fundamental right enshrined in Article 24 of the Constitution and [remained] under an obligation to adequately compensate him for such deprivation,” it said.

SOURCE: EXPRESS TRIBUNE
 

Imran gets bail in £190 million case​


The Islamabad High Court (IHC) granted on Wednesday bail to PTI founder Imran Khan in the £190 million case.

A day earlier, a two-member bench comprising IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri reserved the decision on Imran's bail plea following the completion of arguments presented by both sides.

The case revolves around allegations of corruption and abuse of authority linked to a financial settlement during the PTI’s tenure, which reportedly incurred a £190 million loss to the national exchequer.

 
PIMS conducts Imran’s check-up in Adiala jail

Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) staff conducted a medical check-up of PTI founder Imran Khan, overseen by the chief of Shaukat Khanam Hospital. However, Imran’s spouse, Bushra Bibi, refused the medical examination.

Jail sources said the court had directed Adiala Jail administration to make arrangements for the medical examination of PTI founder Imran Khan and his spouse Bushra Bibi under the supervision of Dr Faisal Sultan, CEO, Shaukat Khanam Hospital.

PIMS staff examined the PTI chief thoroughly and collected his blood samples under the supervision of Dr Faisal Sultan. However, despite insistence from Imran Khan and Dr. Faisal Sultan, Bushra Bibi refused to undergo the examination and declined to provide blood samples.

The sources said the reports of Imran’s blood test and the written opinions of experts on his health will be presented in the accountability court.



Tribune
 
Prisoners demand same facilities as PTI founder: IG prisons

Prisoners in Punjab jails demanded same facilities as those provided to Imran Khan, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former prime minister who is currently incarcerated in Adiala jail, ARY News reported.

In a letter written to Punjab advocate general, IG prisons stated that the prisoners have requested the same privileges as Imran Khan, including six meetings with his lawyers in a day.

The prisoners have expressed their discontent with the special treatment given to the former prime minister. They have argued that providing such facilities to one person while denying them to others is a violation of the Prison Rules 1978.

The prisoners demanded equal treatment and facilities as provided to PTI founder. They have also requested that the facilities provided to PTI founder Imran Khan and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, and other political prisoners be reviewed and extended to all prisoners.

Earlier, the Punjab advocate general told Lahore High Court (LHC) that Punjab government has allocated seven cells for convicted PTI founder Imran Khan in Adiala Jail, while 14 security personnel have been appointed for his security.

The LHC was hearing a petition of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawyers forum president Afzaal Azeem Pahat about the security risks to the life of former premier Khan in Adiala jail, where he is currently incarcerated.

“An accommodation of six cells had been made for Imran Khan in addition to his cell to ensure proper security for him,” AGP Punjab Khalid Ishaq told the court.

“One personnel is deployed on security of 10 inmates in Adiala jail, however, 14 police personnel have been deployed for Imran Khan’s security in Adiala Jail, the report added.

According to the report, food for the former prime minister is also prepared in a special kitchen where no other food is cooked.

Extra CCTV cameras have also been installed at a cost of Rs500,000, while the monthly expense for Khan’s security in jail stands at PKR 1.2 million, AGP report unveiled.

It is pertinent to mention here that PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan has been in jail since August last year in multiple cases.

 
He should remain in jail; the country has been peaceful since his incarceration, and his release would cause unnecessary commotion again.
 

PTI’s Ali Muhammad Khan to move contempt plea against Adiala Jail administration in IHC​


After being denied permission to meet Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Founder Imran Khan in Adiala Jail twice, former ruling party’s MNA Ali Muhammad Khan on Friday announced that he would move the Islamabad High Court (IHC) against the administration of the Rawalpindi prison.

"I am going to the high court against the jail administration. We were not allowed to meet the PTI founder on the previous appearance and we are not allowed to meet now," the politician said, expressing displeasure.

Speaking to journalists outside the prison — where Imran Khan has been incarcerated — the senior party leader said he would file a contempt of court petition against the jail administration.

The member of the National Assembly (MNA) added that even he had been imprisoned in Adiala jail earlier and was treated like a football, indicating that he was tossed here and there in the pretence of security.

Ali insisted that the same was being done in the case of his meeting with Khan.

The politician said he had faith in the country's defence and security agencies regarding Khan's safety when it comes to the deposed prime minister's appearances in cases at the Supreme Court.

Khan had been ousted from the prime minister's office following a no-confidence motion against him in 2022.

"We believe they can take the PTI founder safely to the Supreme Court," the lawmaker said.

Addressing Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, the politico appealed that Khan be summoned to the apex court for an appearance instead of being asked to attend the hearing via video link.

The request comes a day after Khan, who has been imprisoned since his arrest in August last year from Zaman Park in the Toshakhana reference, appeared before the SC to present his arguments in the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) law amendments case via video link.

While Khan is serving a sentence in jail, his first-ever virtual appearance was made possible after the bench approved his plea to present arguments himself.

 

Bushra retracts ‘no-confidence’ on judge during £190 million case hearing​


Former first lady Bushra Bibi expressed no confidence in the judge on Friday during the hearing of the £190 million reference but later retracted her motion after discussions with incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan and the legal team.

The accountability court hearing presided over by Judge Naseer Javaid Rana heard the £190 million reference, during which Bushra took to the rostrum and voiced her lack of confidence in the judge conducting the proceedings.

She stated that the previous hearing was conducted without her presence, to which the court replied that the previous hearing was adjourned without any proceedings taking place due to 'security concerns' cited by jail officials.

"I am a victim of injustice, and we do not trust you in the same manner that we did not trust the previous judges," said the PTI founder's wife.

The court then inquired from the defence team if they also shared Bushra's sentiments. The legal team said that they "have confidence in the court" and requested permission to consult with the accused.

During the hour and half recess, former premier Imran along with the legal team reportedly explained the situation to Bushra, after which she retracted her earlier motion and reaffirmed trust in the court.

During the hearing today, the former first lady sat in the media box instead of the family corner. She also did not meet Imran or his sisters. This is the first time she has refused to meet the former premier's siblings.

Later, she left the courtroom and called her daughters outside the courtroom to meet them. After consultation, the defendant's lawyers filed a new request in court.

The request prayed to conduct hearings for the case every 14 days, similar to other cases, which the court approved. The court also did not record any witness statements today.

The court then issued notices for the hearing on May 22 and adjourned the proceedings until that date.

On May 15, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) accepted PTI founder Imran Khan's plea, granting him bail in the £190 million case.

The order, however, did not result in the ex-premier’s release from Adiala jail since his sentences in the Iddat and cipher cases are yet to be suspended.

The court asked the PTI founder to submit a surety bond of Rs1 million in order to secure bail.

 

Imran accused of selling 10 more valuable gifts​


A new investigation report has revealed another case against the former prime minister and incarcerated PTI founder, Imran Khan, this time involving the possession and sale of 10 more valuable gifts worth millions of rupees.

Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi have been embroiled in two distinct cases related to the Toshakhana, or state gift repository. In one instance, the couple received 14-year prison sentences, yet these were suspended by the Islamabad High Court in April.

This development comes after the NAB launched a fresh inquiry into the Toshakhana case involving Khan and the former first lady.

The anti-graft watchdog issued call-up notices to Khan and Bushra, alongside dispatching a letter to the deputy superintendent of Adiala Jail, requesting their presence for the ongoing investigation earlier this month.

According to the Express News report, the new case is related to the possession and sale of seven watches, including a Graff watch, and sets of gold and diamond jewelry, all of which were sold without reporting them to the authorities and submitting to Toshakhana.

The report states that the gifts were sold without being registered with the authorities, contrary to the law, which requires all gifts worth more than Rs30,000 to be reported and deposited with the gift repository.

The report also reveals that the Graff watch, valued at approximately Rs101 million, was sold without being registered, and the buyer was given a private estimate of the watch's value, which was lower than the actual price.

The report quotes an official as saying that the investigation found that the estimate was provided by a private valuer, who did not communicate with the treasury before the sale of the watch. The official added that the sale of the watch was a clear violation of the law.

The report also states that the treasury received 20% of the sale price, which is Rs20.1 million, as a deposit.

The case is the latest in a series of scandals to hit the former prime minister, who has been accused of corruption and misuse of power during his tenure.

The former prime minister has previously denied any wrongdoing, saying that the gifts were given to him as a token of appreciation and that he had no intention of selling them.

 
Even though he extended a hand of friendship to the establishment, things are not getting easier for him
 
Imran Khan, others acquitted in two long march vandalism cases

A district and sessions court Monday acquitted Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and other leaders of his party in two long march vandalism cases.

Other leaders of the party who were acquitted included Zartaj Gul, Ali Nawaz Awan, Faisal Javed, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Qasim Suri, Raja Khurram Nawaz, Shireen Mazari, Saifullah Niazi, Asad Umar and Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rashid Ahmad.

The cases against Khan and other politicians were registered in the Kohsar and Karachi Company police stations for violation of Section 144.

The court's verdict came during the hearing of acquittal pleas filed by the PTI founder and other politicos.

The verdict on the acquittal of Khan, Qureshi, Rashid, Awan, Suri, Nawaz was issued by Judicial Magistrate Shahzad Khan for case registered at Kohsar police station.

Meanwhile, Judicial Magistrate Mureed Abbas announced the reserved decision on the acquittal plea of Khan, Qureshi, Mazari, Niazi, Umar, Gul, Awan, Javed and Nawaz against the case filed in the Karachi Company police station.

The court had earlier reserved its verdict in the long march vandalism case.

Khan's lawyer Naeem Panjotha, speaking with journalists in the federal capital, said that the cases against PTI founder were based on political vengeance.

"No evidence of vandalism found against PTI founder during the long march," he said, adding that the Islamabad administration did not issue any notification to enforce Section 144 in the capital city.

Various cases of the same nature have been registered against the PTI founder and he has been acquitted in several cases pertaining to the long march, the counsel added.

He also noted that other political leaders were also acquitted in the vandalism cases.

The development comes days after a district and sessions court, on May 15, acquitted Khan in two cases pertaining to the May 9 vandalism.

Khan, who remains behind bars in Adiala jail, and several others including some PTI leaders are facing various allegations in the cases related to the violence following his arrest on May 9.

Islamabad High Court (IHC), on May 16, had also approved PTI founder's bail petition in the £190 million National Crime Agency (NCA) settlement reference.

 
Court hints at announcing verdict on Imran, Bushra's iddat appeals today

A district and sessions court in Islamabad hinted on Thursday at announcing the verdict on appeals challenging the sentences of PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi today.

Judge Shahrukh Arjumand heard the appeals against the seven-year sentence of the former premier and the former first lady. PTI counsel Usman Riaz Gul and the assistant counsel to Khawar Maneka's lawyer Rizwan Abbasi appeared before the court.

The assistant counsel informed the court that Abbasi had to present arguments and added that the record was not available.

The judge then asked the PTI lawyer to finalise arguments and also directed Maneka's assistant counsel to inform Abbasi that he has to present his arguments via video link by 1 pm.

The judge also hinted at deciding on the appeals against the couple’s sentence today. Following the remarks, the court adjourned the hearing till 1 pm.

On April 30, a district and session court in Islamabad rejected Maneka’s plea seeking transfer of the iddat case, to another court.

Maneka's plea cited a lack of trust in the presiding judge, Shahrukh Arjumand, for seeking the transfer.

“The court has a favourable attitude towards PTI, so I request that my case be transferred to another court," said Maneka as the proceedings commenced.

However, Judge Arjumand disagreed with Maneka and said he has never lost trust as a judge during his career.

The lawyers representing Imran and Bushra had already expressed dissatisfaction earlier with what they claim are the "delaying tactics" of Khawar Maneka’s lead counsel, as well as a court decision to postpone the iddat case.

The case

Maneka, Bushra's former husband, filed a case against the couple in November 2023, alleging that the former PM and first lady had married without Bushra observing the mandatory waiting period—iddat—required for Muslim women between two marriages.

Sentence

On February 3, 2024, a trial court sentenced Imran and Bushra to seven years in prison each for contracting the marriage during iddat. The PTI founder and his wife subsequently challenged the order in Islamabad District and Sessions Court.

SOURCE: EXPRESS TRIBUNE
 
BHC bins plea for Article 6 proceedings against PTI founder

The Balochistan High Court (BHC) on Thursday dismissed plea seeking Article 6 proceedings against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former prime minister Imran Khan.

A two-member bench of BHQ comprising Chief Justice Hashim Kakar and Justice Shaukat Rakhshani took up the plea. The plea was dismissed by the court on the basis of jurisdiction.

A senior lawyer of the Supreme Court, Abdul Razzaq Shar, pleaded that Mr Khan had violated the Constitution by advising the president to dissolve the National Assembly, and thus, he should be tried under Article 6.

The BHC bench after the initial hearing, last year, had issued notices to the additional attorney general and deputy attorney general for their response to the plea.

After impeachment as prime minister, the PTI founder is facing a number of cases under various charges. He is currently serving his jail term after conviction in cipher, toshakhana and ‘illegal’ marriage case.

 
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Judgement reserved on appeals against conviction in Iddat case

A district and sessions court on Thursday reserved the verdict on appeals, filed by former prime minister Imran Khan and his spouse Bushra Bibi, against their conviction in the Iddat case.

The judgement is likely to be announced on May 29.

Raja Rizwan Abbasi, lead counsel for complainant Khawar Fareed Maneka, was not in the court during the hearing of the appeals on Thursday.

Defence counsel Usman Gill and the prosecutor concluded their arguments before District and Sessions Judge Sharukh Arjumand.

The court asked his associate to contact Rizwan Abbasi and tell him that he may conclude his arguments in person or via video link.

However, when Mr Abbasi failed to appear, the court reserved its decision.

‘Fabricated case’

Religio-political leaders allied with the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) described the case as fabricated, politically motivated and contrary to the teachings of the Holy Quran and Sunnah.

In a joint video statement, they emphasised that in the matter of Iddat, the testimony given by the woman concerned is considered credible and sufficient, therefore, any decision should be made accordingly.

Pir Noorul Haq Qadri, Majlis Wahdat Muslimeen leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas and Sunni Ittehad Council Chairman Sahibzada Hamid Raza said that after consulting religious scholars from all schools of thought, they had concluded that the Iddat case was a politically-motivated conspiracy devoid of any religious, legal, or moral basis.

They claimed that even if they were against Imran Khan they would have still said what was right, because it was a matter of religion.

Mr Qadri said in matters such as Iddat, the woman’s testimony was considered sufficient and should be respected.

He urged the government and judiciary to abandon attempts aimed at destroying family and marital life and undermining the very fabric of society.

He called for all religious scholars regardless of their political affiliation to oppose such “conspiracies” and speak out publically against them.

Mr Abbas said judiciary should not interfere in such sensitive religious matters they have little knowledge of.

He demanded that the judge who awarded sentence to the PTI founder and his spouse should be questioned about his knowledge on Islam and religion.

Mr Raza claimed that what they were stating was not their opinion but they had reached this conclusion after long deliberation with scholars of different schools of thought.

Cipher case

Meanwhile, the hearing of appeals by Imran Khan and Shah Mehmood Qureshi against their conviction in the cipher case could not be completed as the FIA’s special prosecutor sought more time to conclude his arguments.

Special Prosecutor Syed Zulfiqar Abbasi Naqvi was seeking an hour from a division bench of the Islamabad High Court comprising Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb to conclude his arguments.

The hearing started at about 3pm. After about an hour and a half, the chief justice inquired from Mr Naqvi how long would he take to conclude his arguments, to which the prosecutor replied that he would need at least one more hour.

Justice Aurangzeb remarked that the court works under a tight schedule and the judges are supposed to write orders in the evening.

Defence counsel Barrister Salman Safdar informed the court he would require 45 minutes for a rebuttal to the prosecution’s arguments.

Subsequently, further hearing of the matter was adjourned to May 28.

SOURCE: DAWN
 
Iddat case termed dangerous precedent

Some religopolitical leaders from different schools of thought, allied with PTI, on Saturday condemned the lodging of an iddat case against Bushra Bibi, Imran Khan’s spouse, calling it a blot on society and Islam, and a dangerous precedent.

Led by ex-minister for religious affairs Pir Noorul Haq Qadri, the religious leaders denounced the judiciary for taking up the case, terming it ‘unethical’ and a ‘wrong’ trend. They warned against setting a precedent that could be misused to harass women who remarry.

Addressing a news conference, Sahibzada Hamid Raza of Sunni Itehad Council (SIC), Senator Allama Nasir Abbas of Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen, and other leaders criticised the trial, saying it was unrealistic and could lead to dangerous consequences for society.

Pir Noor ul Haq Qadri questioned how a former husband could claim after a gap of five years that his ex-wife did not complete the iddat period before remarrying.

The religious scholars slammed the judiciary for being callous, and for not consulting religious scholars in the case.

Sahibzada Hamid Raza feared that the decision could lead to injustices women, while Allama Nasir Abbas stressed that iddat should not be used for political gains.

The iddat case was filed by Khawar Maneka, Bushra Bibi’s former husband, against ex-PM and Bushra Bibi.

SOURCE: DAWN NEWS
 
Verdict on Iddat appeal today after holiday delays cipher case

The unexpected declaration of a public holiday by the PML-N government on Youm-i-Takbeer delayed the much-awaited conclusion of proceedings on the appeals of PTI leaders Imran Khan and Shah Mehmood Qureshi against their conviction in cipher case, as the case was fixed for hearing on Tuesday.

A division bench of the Islamabad High Court, (IHC) comprising Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb, had earlier hinted at concluding the case on May 28.

However, after the cabinet division’s notification stating, “The prime minister has been pleased to declare May 28, 2024, (Youm-i-Takbeer) as a public holiday throughout the country”, the apex court, high courts and lower courts also observed it as a public holiday.

While the cancellation of the entire cause list (list of cases fixed for hearing) leaves little chance of cipher case hearing this week, a verdict is expected in the Iddat case today (on May 29) in which Mr Khan and his spouse Bushra Bibi have been serving seven-year term.

Besides, the IHC is likely to resume hearing on the petition seeking recovery of missing poet Ahmed Farhad for which the registrar office had already been directed to arrange live streaming of the proceedings. Justice Kayani at a previous hearing of this case had also allowed the media to report the proceedings, contrary to the ban imposed by Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) for being a sub judice matter.

On the other hand, Justice Babar Sattar, who had complained of being pressurised to back off from audio leak case, is expected to resume its hearing on Wednesday.

According to his complaint, which is being heard by a three-judge larger bench, a malicious campaign had been initiated against him on the social media after he refused to bow to the alleged pressure.

On May 30, the SC will hear the case of amendments introduced by the PDM government in the National Accountability Ordinance. The incarcerated ex-PM is likely to attend the proceedings via a video link from Adiala Jail.The same day PTI’s appeal in intra-party polls case is also scheduled for hearing.

SOURCE: DAWN NEWS
 
What a pathetic judicial system this is. Just delaying the whole verdict and why would you transfer this case when the verdict is already saved?

-------------------------------

No verdict in Iddat case today as judge seeks transfer of appeals to another court


In a dramatic turn of events, the sessions judge hearing the Iddat case sought its transfer to another court on Monday without announcing the reserved judgment many thought would overturn the incarcerated premier Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi’s conviction.

Judge Shahrukh Arjumand left the courtroom after complainant Khawar Maneka expressed no-confidence in him. The complainant made emotional arguments after asking the court to grant him 10 minutes to speak.

Shortly after, the judge wrote to the Islamabad High Court (IHC) requesting it to fix the case for hearing in some other court.

Judge Arjumand wrote in the letter “Though earlier application of complainants has already been dismissed in this regard on April 30, 2024, but I think it will not be appropriate to decide the lis when specific objection has been raised on the Presiding Officer.”

It added “As arguments at length were heard in the matter, therefore, it is humbly submitted to transfer the appeals to any other court of competent jurisdiction.”

“It is further submitted that complainant and his counsel always tried to frustrate and delay the proceedings on one pretext or other, therefore, time frame may be fixed for disposal of appeals,” the judge wrote.

Today’s hearing

As the hearing commenced, an hour later than scheduled, Maneka appeared before the court along with his counsel Rizwan Abbasi.

The judge observed that prosecutor Abbasi was yet to present arguments on two points, following which he stepped onto the dais. However, Maneka requested the court for some time to present his arguments. At this, the judge asked him to let his counsel speak first. “My lawyer will not be able to explain my suffering. I will speak myself,” replied Maneka.

At this point, Bushra Bibi’s counsel Usman Gill urged the court to issue contempt notices to Maneka for interrupting court proceedings.

Maneka asked for 10 minutes of speaking time, saying he belonged to a village and that rumors were being spread about him and his daughter's divorce every day. “Fake divorce letters are being made and spread on social media,” the complainant maintained.

Maneka’s interruption irked the PTI counsels who got into a heated argument with the former. Judge Arjumand then intervened asking the lawyers if they wanted to create scene.

“Today, respect is being demanded for a person who has served as the former premier. Why not grant a poor man the same respect too?” asked Maneka as he compared himself to Imran.

“I am being threatened. Listen to this poor man. I don't believe in this court. I only believe in the Almighty. Think of me as a poor person, and realize what my family has suffered. My house has been destroyed,” he lamented.

He then asked the judge to not make a decision, alleging that he appeared to have been “influenced”.

Judge Arjumand remarked that it was not possible for him to transfer the case at this stage. However, he observed that any decision he now gives would be controversial.

Maneka assaulted

The judge then left the courtroom, following which PTI women members as well as others began sloganeering against Maneka. Some of them threw water bottles at him and even slapped him.

An appellate court last week had reserved its decision on the appeals filed by Imran and Bushra against their conviction in a case concerning their marriage during the iddat period.

In February this year, after a jail trial, senior civil judge Qudratullah sentenced former premier Imran and his wife to seven years in jail, along with a Rs0.5 million fine each, for “contracting marriage during the ‘Iddat’ (period of waiting)” of the former first lady.

During the last hearing of the case in the court of Islamabad District and Sessions Judge Shah Rukh Arjumand, Bushra Bibi's lawyer, Usman Riaz Gill, argued that Bushra’s former husband Khawar Maneka filed a complaint against the couple after a significant delay of six years.

He stated that initially, an unknown individual, Muhammad Hanif, filed a complaint, accusing Imran and Bushra of marrying without the completion of Bushra’s mandatory iddat period. Gill noted that Muhammad Hanif did not appear in the trial court and had no connection to the case.

In May 2023, a district and sessions court in Islamabad declared Hanif's petition inadmissible.

According to Gill, Maneka later filed a similar petition through the same counsel, Raja Rizwan Abbasi Advocate, who had filed the first plea.

“The court has to examine evidence from both complaints. During the trial, some questions were posed to Mufti Muhammad Saeed—the cleric who solemnized Imran’s marriage with Bushra on January 1, 2018—to clarify his role,” he added.

Gill said the allegation is that the second marriage took place during the iddat period following a divorce. However, the document presented to the court was a photocopy. He provided guidelines to the court on determining the authenticity of the document.

He asserted that by the time the complaint was filed, the iddat period had already been completed, making the marriage lawful. He said Bushra Bibi, in her statement, mentioned the divorce occurred in April 2017, and she completed the iddat period before remarrying.

Defending the trial court’s order, Deputy District Prosecutor Adnan Ali argued that completing the iddat period is essential for the validity of the marriage.

He mentioned that Khawar Maneka and Bushra Bibi were happily married for 28 years with five children until PTI's founder interfered in their lives, leading to the divorce. “Maneka intended to reconcile, but Bushra Bibi remarried during the iddat period.”

A judicial magistrate on February 3 sentenced Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi to seven years imprisonment in the iddat case. Senior civil judge Qudratullah, while announcing a reserved verdict, also imposed a Rs500,000 fine each on the PTI founding chairman and his wife.

Maneka, in his complaint, had alleged that Bushra violated the Islamic practice of observing the mandatory pause, or iddat, before marrying Imran. He had also accused his ex-wife and Imran of having an adulterous relationship before their marriage. Iddat is a mandatory waiting period that a Muslim woman must observe on account of the death of her husband or the dissolution of the marriage.

EXPRESS TRIBUNE
 

PTI lawyers attack Khawar Manika in nikkah during iddat case hearing​


Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) lawyers have attacked the Khawar Manika, Bushra Bibi’s ex-husband outside the Islamabad district and session court during the hearing of nikkah during iddat case today.

Khawar Manika appeared before the court in Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi’s appeals case against conviction in nikkah during iddat case.

After Khawa Manika’s exit from courtroom, PTI lawyers hurled bottles on Khawar Manika and attacked him with punches and kicks.

Afterwards, Session Judge Shahrukh Arjmund has written a letter to Islamabad High Court (IHC) to move this case to another court.

It is pertinent to note that court was slated to announce the verdict on nikkah during iddat case today, reserved on May 23.

Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were charged with seven-year imprisonment and Rs. 500,000 fine each in nikkah during iddat case on Feb 3 by Senior Civil Judge Qudratullah.

Imran Khan and his spouse Bushra Bibi had filed a petition in the district and sessions court of Islamabad against the ruling in the 'iddat case.' on Feb 23.

 

PTI lawyers attack Khawar Manika in nikkah during iddat case hearing​


Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) lawyers have attacked the Khawar Manika, Bushra Bibi’s ex-husband outside the Islamabad district and session court during the hearing of nikkah during iddat case today.

Khawar Manika appeared before the court in Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi’s appeals case against conviction in nikkah during iddat case.

After Khawa Manika’s exit from courtroom, PTI lawyers hurled bottles on Khawar Manika and attacked him with punches and kicks.

Afterwards, Session Judge Shahrukh Arjmund has written a letter to Islamabad High Court (IHC) to move this case to another court.

It is pertinent to note that court was slated to announce the verdict on nikkah during iddat case today, reserved on May 23.

Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were charged with seven-year imprisonment and Rs. 500,000 fine each in nikkah during iddat case on Feb 3 by Senior Civil Judge Qudratullah.

Imran Khan and his spouse Bushra Bibi had filed a petition in the district and sessions court of Islamabad against the ruling in the 'iddat case.' on Feb 23.

All drama to stop the verdict and clearing IK. They must think people are stupid as they and their supporters.
 
The case of the court's avoidance of judgment in the most absurd iddat case against the founding chairman of Tehreek-e-Insaf Imran Khan and his wife.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf expressed a strong reaction to the refusal to pronounce the verdict in the Uddah case despite the completion of the case proceedings.

Transferring the case to another court instead of delivering the judgment was rejected as unfair and completely unacceptable.

The Uddat case is the most ridiculous, absurd and totally a disgraceful case in human history through which the entire system and philosophy of justice is being flouted, Tehreek-e-Insaf spokesperson said.

Founding Chairman Imran Khan and his wife were sentenced in two days in contempt of justice for the worst political revenge and unjust imprisonment, Tehreek-e-Insaf spokesperson said.

During the speedy court proceedings on the case, the lawyers of founder chairman Imran Khan and his wife were deprived of even the basic right of cross-examination, the spokesperson of Tehreek-e-Insaf said.

When the case came to the present judge for hearing, the petitioner and the prosecution team crossed all limits of rudeness, absurdity and disregard for law and justice, Tehreek-e-Insaf spokesperson said.

Every shameful tactic was used by the prosecution to prevent the court from making a fair decision, from objecting to the judge to wasting the time of the court, said Tehreek-e-Insaf spokesperson.

Despite continuous resistance from the prosecution, the trial was completed very slowly and the verdict was secured, Tehreek-e-Insaf Spokesman

The court reserved its decision on the previous hearing which was to be delivered today, Tehreek-e-Insaaf spokesperson

Today, when the court opened at 9 o'clock to pronounce the verdict, the petitioner asked the court for ten minutes against the rules, said Tehreek-e-Insaf spokesperson.

The judge allowed the petitioner to speak at his discretion instead of pronouncing the verdict, Tehreek-e-Insaf spokesperson said

The petitioner spoke for half an hour instead of 10 minutes under the clear aim and plan to prevent the court from pronouncing the verdict, said the spokesperson of Tehreek-e-Insaf.

Founder Chairman Imran Khan and his wife's lawyers and officials and workers of Tehreek-e-Insaf have been showing full patience and respect for the court and justice, the spokesperson of Tehreek-e-Insaf said.

A dishonorable and unscrupulous person succeeded in his nefarious purposes and instead of protecting the dignity of the court and the sanctity of justice, the judge surrendered to the prosecution in a sad manner and pushed the case to be transferred to another court, the spokesman said. PTI

The purpose of this whole absurd spectacle is to keep Imran Khan and his wife unjustly imprisoned and to deprive them of the basic right of justice, which is condemned in the strongest terms, the spokesperson of Tehreek-e-Insaf said.

Goons of the official party tried to incite violence and agitation on this occasion which was foiled by the Tehreek-e-Insaf workers, said the spokesperson of the Tehreek-e-Insaf.

The chief justice should answer the nation after the massacre in broad daylight in the courts subordinate to him, what is the justification for him to remain on his oath or position, Tehreek-e-Insaf Spokesman

The planners of the false flag operation of May 9 are inciting severe anxiety in the country and the nation by making the courts the shrine of justice, said Tehreek-e-Insaf spokesperson.

The founder is constantly showing patience, peacefulness and faith in the judiciary on the instructions of the chairman, but when will shame and modesty arise in the eyes of the state and when will the shameful series of open disrespect to the constitution and law be stopped, said Tehreek-e-Insaf spokesperson.

 
The case of the court's avoidance of judgment in the most absurd iddat case against the founding chairman of Tehreek-e-Insaf, Imran Khan, and his wife.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf expressed a strong reaction to the refusal to pronounce the verdict in the Uddah case despite the completion of the case proceedings.

Transferring the case to another court instead of delivering the judgment was rejected as unfair and completely unacceptable.

The Uddat case is the most ridiculous, absurd, and totally disgraceful case in human history through which the entire system and philosophy of justice is being flouted, Tehreek-e-Insaf spokesperson said.

Founding Chairman Imran Khan and his wife were sentenced in two days in contempt of justice for the worst political revenge and unjust imprisonment, Tehreek-e-Insaf spokesperson said.

During the speedy court proceedings on the case, the lawyers of founder chairman Imran Khan and his wife were deprived of even the basic right of cross-examination, the spokesperson of Tehreek-e-Insaf said.

When the case came to the present judge for hearing, the petitioner and the prosecution team crossed all limits of rudeness, absurdity, and disregard for law and justice, Tehreek-e-Insaf spokesperson said.

Every shameful tactic was used by the prosecution to prevent the court from making a fair decision, from objecting to the judge to wasting the time of the court, said Tehreek-e-Insaf spokesperson.

Despite continuous resistance from the prosecution, the trial was completed very slowly and the verdict was secured, Tehreek-e-Insaf spokesperson said.

The court reserved its decision on the previous hearing, which was to be delivered today, Tehreek-e-Insaf spokesperson said.

Today, when the court opened at 9 o'clock to pronounce the verdict, the petitioner asked the court for ten minutes against the rules, said Tehreek-e-Insaf spokesperson.

The judge allowed the petitioner to speak at his discretion instead of pronouncing the verdict, Tehreek-e-Insaf spokesperson said.

The petitioner spoke for half an hour instead of 10 minutes with the clear aim and plan to prevent the court from pronouncing the verdict, said the spokesperson of Tehreek-e-Insaf.

Founder Chairman Imran Khan and his wife's lawyers, officials, and workers of Tehreek-e-Insaf have been showing full patience and respect for the court and justice, the spokesperson of Tehreek-e-Insaf said.

A dishonorable and unscrupulous person succeeded in his nefarious purposes and instead of protecting the dignity of the court and the sanctity of justice, the judge surrendered to the prosecution in a sad manner and pushed the case to be transferred to another court, the spokesperson of Tehreek-e-Insaf said.

The purpose of this whole absurd spectacle is to keep Imran Khan and his wife unjustly imprisoned and to deprive them of the basic right of justice, which is condemned in the strongest terms, the spokesperson of Tehreek-e-Insaf said.

Goons of the official party tried to incite violence and agitation on this occasion, which was foiled by the Tehreek-e-Insaf workers, said the spokesperson of the Tehreek-e-Insaf.

The chief justice should answer the nation after the massacre in broad daylight in the courts subordinate to him. What is the justification for him to remain on his oath or position, Tehreek-e-Insaf spokesperson said.

The planners of the false flag operation of May 9 are inciting severe anxiety in the country and the nation by making the courts the shrine of justice, said Tehreek-e-Insaf spokesperson.

The founder is constantly showing patience, peacefulness, and faith in the judiciary on the instructions of the chairman. But when will shame and modesty arise in the eyes of the state, and when will the shameful series of open disrespect to the constitution and law be stopped, said Tehreek-e-Insaf spokesperson.

 

IHC transfers iddat case to another court after judge's request​


The iddat case related to the alleged "un-Islamic nikah" between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi was transferred by the Islamabad High Court to the another district and sessions court on Monday.

The development came after District and Sessions Judge Shahrukh Arjumand wrote a letter to the IHC registrar, requesting transfer of the case in the wake of no-confidence expressed towards the judge by Bushra's ex-husband Khawar Maneka.

Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majuka will now be hearing the case.

In his letter to IHC registrar on May 29, Judge Arjumand maintained that it will not be appropriate for him to announce the verdict in the aforementioned case due to reservations raised by Maneka.

He requested the registrar to transfer Bushra and Khan's appeals against conviction to another court.

The judge, in his letter, also complained of repeated disruptions by Maneka and his lawyers during the hearing.

Judge Arjumand had written the letter after Maneka himself expressed his lack of confidence in the judge.

During the hearing of the case conducted on May 29, the former first lady's ex-husband told the judge: "I don't want you deciding this case."

"What is the reason for this?" the judge asked while lamenting repeated expressions of no-confidence.

"Tell me if there's any concrete reason for this [...] some judge will decide the case eventually," Judge Arujmand said while highlighting that the court has already dismissed a no-confidence motion filed by Maneka wherein he had expressed no confidence in the judge and requested that the case be transferred to another court.

The same day, Maneka was also beaten by PTI lawyer in the premises of the court as he appeared for the hearing of the case.

During the hearing of appeals filed by Bushra and Khan against conviction in the iddat case, Judge Arjumand went into his chamber without announcing the verdict.

Following the development, PTI lawyers hurled bottles in the courtroom which prompted Maneka's lawyers to escort him out. However, while being escorted out, a PTI lawyer then attacked Maneka within the court premises after which he fell to the ground.

The court, on May 23, had reserved the verdict on the appeals which was to be announced that day.

Maneka had, in January, moved the court challenging Khan and Bushra Bibi's marriage and terming their nikah as fraudulent, stressing that the marriage was solemnised during her iddat (the time a woman goes into isolation after a divorce or her husband's death).

The trial court then handed down a seven-year sentence to the couple in February and imposed a fine of Rs500,000 each on the duo.

In its 51-page detailed verdict, the court maintained that the record proves that both of the accused, Khan and Bushra, were in relation before the 2018 "fraudulent" nikah.

Commenting on the likelihood of the case's verdict being issued in favour of Khan and Bushra Bibi, PTI Information Secretary Raoof Hasan earlier said: "We know what the decision of iddat case was to be announced on merit. In principle, the court should not be used for political matters, and the court should also not allow itself to be used."

 
Iddat case: PTI terms transferring trial of Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi to new court 'illegal'

After iddat case was transferred to another court, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) termed the decision "illegal" and an "attempt to deliberately delay the provision of justice" to the incarcerated party founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi.

The statement was issued by the Imran-founded party’s core committee after holding a session on Friday in which they reviewed the status of ongoing trials against the former prime minister and the ex-first lady, as well as other developments in the country.

In a statement, the core committee stated that Khan and Bushra Bibi deserved to be immediately released from jail. It alleged that the pace of trials against the duo was being “deliberately delayed” via deferring the hearings with delayed dates.

The former ruling party expressed hopes that the “false, baseless and unfounded cases” would meet their fate very soon.

Commenting on the iddat case, the PTI termed the Islamabad High Court’s (IHC) decision to transfer the trial to another court “illegal”.

It is noteworthy to mention here that the IHC had accepted the district and sessions judge Shahrukh Arjumand's request for transferring the iddat case related to the marriage of Khan and Bushra.

The case was transferred to the court of additional district and sessions judge Muhammad Afzal Majuka who will conduct the hearings of the case.

Subsequently, the former ruling party also expressed concerns over Bushra Bibi’s health. Despite serious reservations, Bushra’s medical tests were carried out at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims), whereas, her medical reports were not being provided for unknown reasons, the statement read.

Additionally, the PTI core committee also raised concerns over the appointments of retired judges in the election tribunals by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). It added that the party would raised a strong voice against the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and the ECP members in and outside parliament.

Earlier today, Judge Majuka conducted the first hearing of the iddat case after it was transferred to his court following the high court’s order. The jurish issued notices to all parties following Khan and Bushra’s pleas for early hearing of the iddat case.

The hearing was then adjourned till June 11.

Khawar Maneka had, in January, moved the court challenging Khan and Bushra Bibi's marriage and terming their nikah as fraudulent, stressing that the marriage was solemnised during her iddat (the time a woman goes into isolation after a divorce or her husband's death).

The trial court then handed down a seven-year sentence to the couple in February and imposed a fine of Rs500,000 each on the duo.

In its 51-page detailed verdict, the court maintained that the record proves that both of the accused, Khan and Bushra, were in relation before the 2018 "fraudulent" nikah.

Commenting on the likelihood of the case's verdict being issued in favour of Khan and Bushra, PTI Information Secretary Raoof Hasan earlier said: "We know what the decision of iddat case was to be announced on merit. In principle, the court should not be used for political matters, and the court should also not allow itself to be used."


The News
 
Bushra asks IHC to suspend Iddat verdict

Bushra Bibi, the spouse of former prime minister Imran Khan, has filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court (IHC), seeking the suspension of her conviction and sentencing in a case related to contracting marriage with Imran without observing the mandatory waiting—iddat—period.

A judicial magistrate, Qudratullah, on February 3 sentenced Imran and Bushra to seven years in prison each while hearing a complaint filed by Bushra’s former husband Khawar Maneka almost six years after the PTI founder’s January 2018 marriage with his ex-wife.

The couple later filed appeals against the trial court’s order in a district and sessions court in Islamabad. However, when the court was about to deliver its verdict on the appeals, Khawar Maneka expressed his lack of trust in the judge, Shahrukh Arjumand.

Judge Arjumand subsequently referred the case for transfer to another court, and the IHC listed it for hearing in the court of Islamabad Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majuka.

In her petition, filed through Salman Safdar Advocate, Bushra Bibi sought suspension of her sentence. The petition argued that the prosecution presented weak and contradictory evidence in the trial court, which could not form the basis for a conviction. It asserted that the trial court’s sentence cannot be upheld.

According to the petition, Bushra Bibi is being kept in dire conditions in jail as part of political vendetta. To ensure justice, it is necessary to suspend the trial court’s February 3 sentence and order her release on bail.

The IHC Registrar's Office has raised three objections to Bushra Bibi's petition. It asks how the petition can be filed in the IHC while the suspension of the sentence is still pending in the sessions court. "Which order of the lower court is being challenged? And how can similar relief be sought from two courts simultaneously?" it adds.

EXPRESS TRIBUNE
 
Khawar Maneka’s arrest warrant issued in land grabbing case

As per details, special judge anti-corruption Asif Bashir also ordered the authorities to arrest Khawar Maneka and his son and present them before court.

On August 11, 2023, anti-corruption Okara booked Maneka and his sons in a case pertaining to constructing a market after grabbing the land.

The Anti-corruption stated that the market construction has costed millions of losses to the national kitty.

On September 25 2023, the Punjab Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) arrested Khawar Farid Maneka, ex-husband of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi, on illegal construction charges in Lahore.

An ACE spokesperson confirmed the arrest of Maneka saying that he was apprehended on charges of illegally constructing a marriage hall on the cemetery land.

Later, in another case the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) commenced inquiry against Bushra Bibi’s ex-husband, over complaints of financial irregularities.

Khawar Maneka and his family are accused of taking huge financial benefits during the tenure of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government. The NAB has begun collecting the record of the assets owned by Khawar Maneka and his family members.

 
This case should be thrown out of court by now. Judiciary is just paying delaying tactics.

------------------------------

IHC sets one-month deadline for decision on Iddat case appeal

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday mandated a swift decision on appeal regarding the Iddat case involving Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi.

On February 3, Imran and Bushra Bibi were sentenced in the Iddat Nikkah case. Twenty days later, the appeal against the verdict was filed in the sessions court. Judge Arjumand heard the appeal and was expected to announce his ruling on May 29, when he requested the IHC to send the case to another judge.

Later, the IHC transferred the case to Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majuka. Imran and Bibi challenged the transfer of the appeal in the IHC through lawyer Salman Akram Raja. However, the registrar office raised the objection that the appeal was pending before the session court.

Justice Mian Gul Hassan Aurangzeb, presiding over the hearing today, instructed the session court to resolve Bushra Bibi's plea for suspension of the sentence within 10 days and ordered a decision on the appeal within a month.

During the proceedings, lawyer Salman Akram Raja, representing the petitioners, expressed concerns over the abrupt transfer of the case from the original Sessions Judge to an Additional Session Judge.

Raja questioned the rationale behind this sudden change and urged the court to direct Sessions Judge Shah Rukh Arjumand to deliver the reserved verdict.

He suggested that, alternatively, the high court could take up the appeal itself or reassign it to the Session Judge West. Emphasising the need for a prompt resolution, he noted that the trial had concluded in two days and argued that the appeal should be treated with similar urgency.

Khawar Maneka's lawyer, Raja Rizwan Abbasi, contested the transfer, highlighting that an objection had been previously raised and dismissed. Abbasi asserted that the administrative decision to refer the appeals to the Additional Session Judge West was unchallengeable.

After considering arguments from both sides, Justice Aurangzeb reaffirmed the court's directive. He tasked Additional Session Judge Afzal Majoka with rendering decisions on both the suspension request and the appeal within the specified deadlines.

EXPRESS TRIBUNE
 
Nikah case: ‘If I remain alive, I’ll decide Bushra Bibi’s appeal in 10 days,’ says Judge Majoka

Additional session judge Afzal Majoka has adjourned the hearing of appeals filed by Bushra Bibi, founder of PTI, against their sentence in the ‘Iddat Nikkah’ case.

Bushra Bibi’s legal team, including Khalid Yusuf Chaudhry and Usman Riaz Gul, appeared in court.

PTI lawyers submitted the written order of the Islamabad High Court on Thursday.

Usman Riaz Gul urged the court to keep the hearing for the following day, stating, “We are still available today, listen to us today.”

“If I live, I will decide in 10 days. If the other party does not appear, I will hear you and decide,” the judge remarked.

Judge Majoka concluded by saying, “I am writing the order. There will be something bigger than the notice; look at the history.”

On June 3, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) transferred PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi Nikah Case to another court.

The case was transferred to the court of Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka.

Session Judge Shahrukh Arjumand had written a letter to the Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court requesting the transfer of the case after Khawar Manika had objected to Session Judge Shahrukh Arjumand.

After the approval of the transfer plea, Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka will now hear the appeals against the sentence in the Nikah case.

 
Court summons Maneka in iddat case

A primary court of appeal on Friday issued a notice to Khawar Maneka while hearing petitions filed by Maneka’s ex-wife Bushra Bibi and former prime minister Imran Khan, seeking suspension of their sentence in an illegal marriage case.

The court noted that if Maneka or his representatives failed to appear on the next hearing date—June 21—the court would issue a verdict in the case after reviewing the case record.

On Friday, Islamabad Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka resumed hearing the petitions filed by Bushra and Imran. A district magistrate on February 3 convicted Bushra and Imran and sentenced them to seven years in prison for contracting marriage on January 1, 2028, without Bushra first observing the mandatory waiting—iddat—period.

The couple had challenged the judicial magistrate’s order in the court of Islamabad District and Session Judge Shahrukh Arjumand. However, the judge on May 29 referred the case to the Islamabad High Court (IHC) for its transfer to another court after Maneka expressed a lack of trust in him.

The IHC later listed the case for hearing in the court of Judge Majoka. On Thursday, the IHC ordered the court to decide the couple’s request for suspension of their sentence within ten days.

Advocate Usman Riaz Gill, representing Bushra Bibi, appeared in court and presented the written order of the IHC. He requested the case to be scheduled for hearing today (Saturday).

Judge Majoka responded that he would decide the case within ten days. “A hearing tomorrow is not possible due to numerous bail applications pending. On the next hearing, even if the other party does not appear, a decision will be made,” he said.

Gill insisted on scheduling the case for Saturday so that the notice becomes part of the record. The judge noted that his order for Friday would be more than just a notice. After hearing the arguments, the court adjourned the case until June 21.

EXPRESS TRIBUNE
 
When you have no proof and the whole accusation these guys have put in Imran and Bushra is fake then you have to used these kinds of tactics because you are a lier.

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Khawar Maneka’s lawyer ‘seeks to delay’ Iddat case further

As an additional district and sessions judge (ADSJ) resumed hearing the pleas seeking suspension of sentences of former PM Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in the Iddat case, the counsel for her ex-husband repeatedly sought an adjournment, trying to delay the case further.

Zahid Asif, the counsel for Bushra Bibi’s ex-husband, Khawar Fareed Maneka, requested ADSJ Afzal Majooka to adjourn the hearing since his client, who is the complainant in the instant case, was not present.

The counsel, however, submitted his power of attorney (wakalatnama) to the court.

The judge asked Mr Asif to conclude his arguments on the applications by June 25 as the court would then take up the main appeals against their convictions.

When Barrister Salman Akram Raja, the lead counsel for Imran Khan, began his arguments and suggested that the complainant’s lawyer take notes, the latter again requested an adjournment.

Barrister Raja argued that the complainant acknowledged the divorce, but disputed the duration of the Iddat period. According to Mr Maneka, the divorce occurred on Nov 14, 2017, whereas Imran Khan maintained that it took place in April 2017, the counsel explained. He said the trial court did not provide an opportunity to Bushra Bibi to explain her stance and hurriedly concluded the trial.

The counsel claimed that Mr Maneka changed his mind about six years after he was arrested and jailed for four months, adding that Mr Maneka was released from jail on Nov 14 last year, and he filed the complaint in the trial court on Nov 25.

DAWN
 

Imran Khan moves SC to seek swift hearing on disqualification appeal​


Barrister Ali Zafar, the lawyer representing the PTI founder, has submitted a request for an early hearing of the appeal against the former premier’s disqualification.

The application argues that the petitioner, a former prime minister and leader of the largest political party (PTI), faces ongoing challenges to his role as party chief following a disqualification by the electoral watchdog.

The petition added that cases challenging the ECP's decisions are currently pending in Islamabad and Lahore High Courts, with proceedings stalled due to a related case in the Supreme Court.

The petitioner contended that these legal challenges prevent him from assuming the role of PTI chairman, member of the assembly, and also hinder his participation in by-elections due to the pending appeal.

In December last year, Imran challenged in the Lahore High Court (LHC) the ECP's ruling of disqualifying him for five years for not declaring Toshakhana gifts in his statement of assets and liabilities.

Khan contended that recent amendments to the Elections Act 2017 limit the ECP's jurisdiction in deciding the qualification or disqualification of a member based on a court conviction.

In the petition, Khan urged the court to set aside the ECP's notification, which disqualified him for a period of five years and purportedly de-notified him as the returned candidate from constituency NA-45 Kurram-I. He further requested the court to suspend the operation of the notification until the final disposal of the petition.

He accused the ECP of acting with unlawful zeal and haste to exclude him from the February 8 general elections rather than ensuring fair and free elections.

In a swift 30-minute proceeding on August 5, 2023, Imran Khan was sentenced to three years in imprisonment and fined Rs100,000, a conviction later suspended by the Islamabad High Court.

 
Iddat case: Court reserves verdict on pleas seeking sentence suspension

Additional district and sessions court Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka, on Tuesday reserved verdict on pleas filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi seeking suspension of their sentence in the iddat case.

Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi’s counsel Salman Safdar, and Khawar Maneka’s lawyer Zahid Asif Chaudhry appeared before the court during today’s hearing.

The verdict reserved today will be announced on June 27 (Thursday) at 3pm.

Meanwhile, the hearing on the couple’s pleas seeking annulment of their conviction in the said case has been adjourned till July 2.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC), earlier this month, had ordered the session court to announce the verdict on Bushra Bibi’s plea seeking suspension of conviction in Nikah case within 10 days.

Bushra Bibi, wife of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, moved Islamabad High Court (IHC) against the conviction in Nikah case where they were sentenced to seven years in jail and Rs500,000 fines each on the couple.


 
All eyes on Islamabad court as verdict on Imran, Bushra iddat case due today

All eyes are on an Islamabad local court, which is due to announce a verdict on the pleas filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi seeking suspension of their sentences in the iddat case today (Thursday), which may end the former prime minister's imprisonment.

Khan, the deposed prime minister who was ousted from power via the opposition's no-confidence motion in April 2022, has been facing a slew of charges ranging from corruption to terrorism since his removal as the premier.

He has been behind bars since August last year after he was sentenced in the Toshakhana case and subsequently sentenced in other cases ahead of the February 8 elections.

Despite securing relief in other cases including £190 million reference and Toshakhana, and acquittal in the cipher case earlier this month, the former premier remains behind bars due to his conviction in the iddat case.

The district court had sentenced the PTI founder and Bushra each, to seven years in prison in February earlier this year after a trial court found their nikah to be fraudulent after Khawar Maneka, Bushra's ex-husband, moved the court against the couple's marriage.

The complainant stressed that the marriage was solemnised during Bushra's iddat (the time a woman goes into isolation after a divorce or her husband's death).

The couple had then filed various appeals including the ones against their conviction and those seeking suspension of their sentences.

Trial court Judge Shahrukh Arjumand had reserved the verdict on their appeals challenging their conviction on May 23.

However, in light of Maneka's repeated expression of no-confidence, the Islamabad High Court (IHC), on Judge Arujmand's request, had then transferred the case to the court of Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majuka.

The district and sessions court on June 25, reserved its verdict on pleas against Khan and Bushra's conviction, after directives from the IHC to decide the matter of suspension of the sentences within 10 days.

The court had also given one month for the decision on the petition filed by the couple against their conviction.

Meanwhile, Bushra had sought a decision on her plea filed in the sessions court seeking sentence suspension.

The reserved verdict will be announced on June 27 (Thursday) at 3pm, while the hearing on the couple's pleas seeking annulment of their conviction in the said case will be resumed on July 2.

PTI awaits a favourable decision as a major relief for its founding chairman as he has been acquitted in some cases or has acquired bail in others.

However, it is also likely that the government will try to block Khan's release as Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah on Tuesday gave credence to the reports that the Centre was planning to lodge new cases against the jailed PTI founder.


GEO TV
 

Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi's appeal seeking dismissal of Iddat case conviction rejected​


An Islamabad court on Thursday rejected former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi's appeal seeking suspension of their sentence in an illegal marriage case.

Islamabad Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka announced the order which was reserved after the conclusion of arguments by both the parties.

PTI leader Omar Ayub, addressing the media after the announcement of the verdict, condemned the court's rejection of the appeals and announced that the party would challenge the decision.

While hearing a plea filed by Bushra Bibi’s former husband Khawar Maneka, a district magistrate on February 3 convicted Bushra and Imran and sentenced them to seven years in prison for contracting marriage on January 1, 2018, without Bushra first observing the mandatory waiting—iddat—period.

The couple had challenged the judicial magistrate’s order in the court of Islamabad District and Session Judge Shahrukh Arjumand. However, the judge on May 29 referred the case to the Islamabad High Court (IHC) for its transfer to another court after Maneka expressed a lack of trust in him.

The IHC later listed the case for hearing in the court of Islamabad Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka. On June 13, the IHC also ordered the court to decide the couple’s request for suspension of their sentence within ten days.

At the hearing of the case on June 21, Imran’s counsel Salman Akram Raja has contended that no one is allowed to peep into the private matters of a woman while referring to an earlier verdict written by a bench also comprising famous scholar Mufti Taqi Usmani, Raja said.

 
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NAB challenges Imran Khan's bail in £190 million case​


The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has challenged the decision to grant bail to former prime minister Imran Khan in the £190 million reference case.

The appeal was filed in the Supreme Court by the NAB chairman, arguing that the Islamabad High Court's decision to grant bail ignored key facts.

The Islamabad High Court had approved bail for Imran Khan on May 15, setting a bond of RS 1 million.

NAB contends that the High Court's decision was legally flawed and has requested the Supreme Court to nullify it.

In its appeal, NAB stated that the decision to grant bail overlooked crucial facts.

The anti-corruption watchdog originally dismissed Khan's bail plea, prompting him to seek relief from the High Court.

Now, NAB is urging the Supreme Court to overturn this decision.

 

Bushra Bibi gets bail in 190m pounds case​

RAWALPINDI (Dunya News) - An Accountability Court of Islamabad approved the bail plea of Imran Khan's wife Bushra Bibi in the 190 million pounds reference case.

Accountability Court Judge Muhammad Ali Waraich presided over the hearing against the PTI’s founder and Bushra Bibi in Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi.

The court approved Bushra Bibi’s pre-arrest bail request, providing some relief in the ongoing legal battles faced by the former first lady.

However, prison officials stated that she cannot be released due to her conviction in the Iddat case.

"Despite the bail being approved, she cannot be released as she is serving a sentence in the Iddat case," said jail authorities.

During the hearing, Deputy Prosecutor General Sardar Muzaffar Abbasi argued that the arrest of Bushra Bibi is not wanted as the NAB chairman has not issued his arrest warrant.

Source: Dunya News
 

Imran Khan-Bushra Bibi Iddat Nikkah case verdict to be announced by July 12​


Islamabad district and sessions court Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka has emphasised that the verdict in Imran Khan-Bushra Bibi Nikkah Iddat case will be announced by July 12.

The district and sessions court on Wednesday adjourned the hearing on appeals against the conviction of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi in the Nikkah Iddat case until July 8.

Earlier, an Islamabad court on June 27 had rejected pleas seeking the suspension of sentences handed down to PTI founding chairman Imran and his wife Bushra Bibi in the iddat (mandatory waiting period for Muslim women between two marriages) case.

Today, the additional district and sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka presided over the hearing.

PTI's counsel Salman Akram Raja. Yesterday, Raja had partially argued against the rejection of the suspension of the sentence.

At the outset of the hearing, Advocate Raja commenced his arguments as he cited Section 7 of the Muslim Family Law.

To which Judge Majoka asked, "Are you saying that Section 7 does not apply in this case?"

Raja referenced various judicial decisions on Muslim law, arguing that family law is part of personal law and falls under the jurisdiction of the Shariat Court.

He contended that, according to the previous rulings by the country's apex court, a divorce becomes effective even if the Union Council procedure is not completed.

The court noted that Section 7 cannot be used to exert pressure.

Judge Majoka observed that in one case, a woman claimed maintenance despite the lack of a Section 7 notice, and the court granted her the right to maintenance.

Raja argued that a woman could marry without a Union Council certificate and that invalidating thousands of marriages annually would create numerous inheritance issues.

He cited the Allahd dad case, where the court ruled that the Iddat (waiting period) restarts upon the husband's death. Various interpretations of the Iddat period were discussed, including the acceptance of 39 days and three menstrual cycles.

Judge Majoka questioned whether the trial court should have accepted these references or sought evidence.

Raja responded that if the references were not accepted, the court should have requested evidence.

He further argued that the trial court overlooked the Shariat appellate bench of the SC and that the focus should be on the legitimacy of the Nikkah ceremony, not the accusation of adultery.

Raja concluded his arguments saying everything in this case was dependent on Latif's testimony. The statements of all witnesses, including Khawar Maneka and Latif, are based on lies, he alleged.

He stated that the woman's testimony should be given importance.

PTI's Raja completed his arguments, while Barrister Salman Safdar was summoned to provide counterarguments.

Safdar requested that his arguments be scheduled for Monday as he was unavailable the next day. He assured the court that he would conclude his arguments within two hours.

Judge Majoka reiterated that the court must deliver its decision by July 12.

The complainant Khawar Maneka's counsel, Zahid Asif, expressed interest in hearing Safdar's arguments.

The court adjourned the case until July 8.

 
Isn't it too late to announce a verdict on IK's marriage with Miss Bushra?

Even if the court rules that the marriage was illegal, does it invalidate all the years these two spent together?
 

Four summoned as witnesses in £190 million case​


The accountability court has summoned former Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Azam Khan, former Defense Minister Pervez Khattak, Zubeida Jalal, and Patwari Gohar Abbas as witnesses in a high-profile case involving a 190 million pounds reference.

The hearing, presided over by Accountability Court Judge Mohammad Ali Warraich, took place at Adiala Jail.

The PTI supremo and Bushra Bibi were present in court.

The NAB's legal team, comprising Amjad Parvez and Sardar Mazhar Abbasi, appeared alongside defense lawyers Saifai Usman, Ghulam Haider, DC FBI Muhammad Ali Taj, and Assistant Director FBI Yasser Azim, who completed their testimonies.

Notices were issued to Azam Khan, Pervez Khattak, Zubeida Jalal, and Patwari Gohar Abbas to appear as witnesses.

The court concluded the testimonies of 30 witnesses in the reference and adjourned further proceedings until July 10th.

 
IHC doesn’t extend deadline for decision in Iddat case

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday directed the judge hearing appeals of former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, against their conviction in the Iddat case to conclude proceedings within the stipulated time frame.

Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb dismissed the petition of Ms Bushra’s ex-husband, Khawar Fareed Maneka, to revise the order that had set a month’s deadline for the trial court to conclude the hearing.

Mr Maneka was seeking an extension in the deadline till after the court’s summer vacations, saying his lead counsel intended to go on a pilgrimage during Muharram. Justice Aurangzeb however rejected the request for extension till September as the counsel of Mr Khan and his spouse opposed the plea.

Later, while addressing media persons at the National Press Club, Islamabad, Mr Maneka cited various religious scholars to substantiate his claim of the Iddat period being of 90 days. He said his ex-wife married Mr Khan during her Iddat period and did not give any plausible reason for the haste.

He said the haste “deprived him of the opportunity to reconcile with his ex-wife as provided in the religion and law”. He contradicted the claim of Mr Khan and Ms Bushra’s counsels on the Iddat period and termed them “un-Islamic”.

Mr Khan and his wife were convicted and handed a sentence of seven years in February for contracting marriage during the former first lady’s Iddat period.

The punishment was handed down on the complaint filed by Mr Maneka. Late last month, an Islamabad district and sessions court turned down the pleas of ex-premier Khan and his wife to suspend their seven-year sentences in the Iddat case.

BBC
 
CII says discussion on iddat is ‘inappropriate’

Chairman Council of Islamic Ideology Dr Muhammad Raghib Hussain Naeemi has condemned the inappropriate and disrespectful discussions and mockery surrounding issues of marriage, divorce, and iddat.

He specifically criticized the irresponsible and unethical opinions being expressed on social media.

In a statement, Dr Naeemi asserted that the Quran and Sunnah have clearly outlined the principles and regulations concerning marriage, divorce, and iddat. Islamic law has defined the limits and restrictions surrounding these matters.

He expressed concern about the inappropriate and unethical nature of the discussions on social media. He emphasized that individuals facing issues related to marriage, divorce, or Iddah should consult with religious scholars and medical experts for guidance.

The Chairman urged against frivolous and pointless debates on these sensitive matters.

He also highlighted the need for caution in using social media to avoid bias, mockery, criticism, hate speech, and violence, which he deemed detrimental to the country’s security.


AAJ News
 
Establishment have forced Bushra's ex to sell his soul. When you think these crooks can't go any lower, they go much much lower. As Rana said we will arrest him for something else if he is released for this.
 
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Maneka seeks expert opinion in iddat case

The counsel for Khawar Maneka, the former spouse of Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi, has submitted two separate applications to an appellate court, requesting it to seek both medical and religious opinions on Bushra allegedly contracting a second marriage before completing her mandatory iddat period.

On Thursday, Islamabad District and Sessions Court Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka resumed hearing Imran and Bushra’s appeal against their conviction in the iddat case as the lawyers for Bushra and Imran concluded their arguments against a trial court’s February 3 order.

Bushra’s lawyer Khadija Siddiqi argued that a husband cannot determine when a woman’s waiting period—iddat—and her three menstrual cycles are complete. A crime is established only when it is proven that the marriage took place during the iddat.

“In April 2017, Khawar Maneka verbally divorced Bushra Bibi and she completed her iddat at her mother’s home. She contracted marriage with [former prime minister] Imran Khan on January 1, 2018,” she said.

Rejecting Maneka’s claim that Bushra’s marriage was fraudulent, Khadija said, “Fraud always occurs between two parties, but it has not been clarified here with whom the fraud occurred.”

Imran’s counsel Barrister Salman Safdar argued that the trial in the iddat case was completed in just two to three days. It was conducted with such urgency as if it were a gang rape case, he said.

Safdar said even without mentioning the iddat period, the case could lead to acquittal. He urged the court to keep in mind the fact that the petitioner, Khawar Maneka, raised an objection to the marriage of his former wife after staying silent for 2,000 days.

“According to the tampered document [provided by the petitioner], 48 days had passed since the divorce, yet no original documents were presented,” he said, adding that Imran’s former confidant Aun Chaudhry was made a prosecution witness as part of a scheme.

The court asked Khawar Maneka’s lawyers to respond to the allegation of date tampering on the divorce certificate and instructed them to address in their arguments why the witness statements were not provided to the accused and to respond regarding the evidence.

Meanwhile, Maneka’s lawyer, Zahid Asif, filed two applications in the court.

The first application sought a medical opinion from a board of doctors on the completion of the iddat period by Bushra Bibi. The second application sought opinions from the CII, the Federal Shariat Court, and Islamic scholars on the matter of iddat. Judge Majoka issued notices to the parties on the applications and scheduled to hear them on July 11 (today).

EXPRESS TRIBUNE
 
The first application sought a medical opinion from a board of doctors on the completion of the iddat period by Bushra Bibi. The second application sought opinions from the CII, the Federal Shariat Court, and Islamic scholars on the matter of iddat. Judge Majoka issued notices to the parties on the applications and scheduled to hear them on July 11 (today).

EXPRESS TRIBUNE
I find it absurd that in this day and age, serious looking courts and judges are talking about getting doctor's opinions on whether a woman's completed a couple of menstrual cycles in order to decide whether she should be jailed or not.

It's unbelievable that whatever people's political opinions, folks are not out on the street protesting about this. Whatever the religious justifications behind the law, it's an outrageous violation of women's rights - Afghanistan stoning for infidelity level.
 
IHC orders facilities to Imran, Bushra in jail

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday directed the administration of Adiala jail to provide facilities to former prime minister Imran Khan and his spouse Bushra Bibi as per their entitlement.

IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq issued the detailed order on a petition seeking facilities and ensuring their fundamental rights. The petition was filed by Bushra Bibi before her conviction in the Toshakhana and Iddat cases.

Justice Farooq disposed of the petition with the direction to the government to take all measures required for the protection of the former prime minister and his spouse’s life and health.

The chief justice also issued guidelines to safeguard their fundamental rights. He noted that the relief being sought was not specific to Mr Khan, adding being an inmate his spouse is also entitled to the available facilities in the prison.

He observed that a prisoner was entitled to certain rights and their detention did not mean inhuman treatment as the basic objective of sentencing a convict was their physical and mental transformation.

He added that the IHC in the case of Khalid Hussain versus the Ministry of Human Rights had laid down a guideline and the federal government was under obligation to implement the guideline in all prisons.

The court order however said the federal government prima facie did not take necessary steps for implementation of the guideline.

DAWN
 
Imran Khan-Bushra Bibi Iddat case verdict reserved, to be announced soon

Islamabad's District and Sessions Court has reserved its decision on the appeals against the sentences of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi in the iddat marriage case.

The verdict is scheduled to be announced today at 3 PM.

Imran Khan and his wife were sentenced to seven years in prison over allegations of contracting marriage during the former first lady’s Iddat period, following a complaint filed by Mr. Khawar Maneka.

Maneka is Bushra Bibi's former husband. The conviction took place just days before the general elevtions in the country.

Both Imnran and Bushra had filed appeals against their conviction. An Islamabad High Court order issued in June had mandated the trial court to conclude the hearing by July 12.

Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka presided over the hearing of the main appeals filed by the PTI founder and Bushra Bibi on Saturday.

Khawar Maneka's lawyer argued that during the trial, the defence lawyers for Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi indicated their intention to present witnesses. He stated that there was no objection if they wished to do so.

It has highlighted that Bushra Bibi never told Mufti Saeed that her iddat period had ended, noting that Bushra's statement would be conclusive after there is no record showing that Bushra Bibi declared she did not marry during iddat.

The lawyer also pointed out that Khawar Maneka did not specify adherence to Hanafi or Shafi'i jurisprudence.

He filed the complaint as a Muslim, seeking justice according to Islamic principles.

The lawyer questioned the necessity of a second marriage if the first was valid, implying that the first marriage was fraudulent.

Concluding his arguments, Maneka’s lawyer requested punishment under Sections 496 and 494 of the Pakistan Penal Code.

Bushra Bibi’s lawyer argued that her statement is included in response to question number two under section 342, highlighting that Maneka remarried three to four months after the divorce, and they have a four-year-old daughter.

Salman Akram Raja, representing Imran Khan, countered by stating that a procedural flaw does not constitute fraud. He argued that the 90-day period is irrelevant since Khawar Maneka did not issue a divorce notice, making the 90-day requirement inapplicable.

He acknowledged the possibility of a legal flaw but maintained that it should not be deemed fraudulent.

Following the completion of arguments, the court reserved its decision on the appeals, which is scheduled to be announced at 3 PM.

EXPRESS TRIBUNE
 
Imran and Bushra bibi NOT GUILTY
Court orders their immediate release
 

‘You’re answerable to Allah, not agencies,' Imran Khan tells judge​


Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan harshly criticised the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Chairman during the Toshakhana reference hearing on Sunday, Express News reported.

At the start of the hearing, the former prime minister, who is currently incarcerated at Adila jail with his wife Bushra Bibi, objected to the absence of media, stating, "If the media is not allowed, I will walk out of the court."

The court subsequently ordered media representatives to be brought inside the jail, and the hearing commenced once they arrived.

Imran Khan, recently acquitted in a major case regarding "unlawful marriage" only to be arrested hours later under a new government-filed reference, addressed the judge directly, asserting that his wife, Bushra Bibi, had no involvement in the Toshakhana case.

"I have read the Qur'an four times in jail, and it places a great responsibility on judges," he stated. "Bushra Bibi is only imprisoned to cause me distress."

Bushra Bibi was also rearrested yesterday in the new(NAB reference regarding the sale of state gifts (Toshakhana) case when she was being released from Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail.

He accused higher authorities of targeting his wife due to his decisions, saying, "My wife is being targeted by the king because I removed him from the ISI position, and my wife did not support him."

"Jail me, but leave my wife alone. Judge, you are answerable to Allah, not the ISI. Judge Bashir said a decision was made at gunpoint," Imran pleaded.

"A former prime minister being told in the middle of the night that he has to appear for a brand new case in the morning," Imran remarked wryly.

He criticised the accountability watchdog, alleging that it operates like robots, doing whatever they are paid to do.

He added, "In the previous reference, the jewellery set, which was valued at Rs18 million, was claimed to be worth Rs3.25 billion."

"I am only speaking about my wife. Re-arresting her [Bushra Bibi] was a grave mistake," Imran said.

Throughout the hearing, Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi sat together.

According to a short order by Judge Afzal Majoka yesterday, Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were to be immediately released unless they were wanted in other cases.

Despite pleading not guilty in the Iddat case, which was the last case for which the former premier was serving time in his current confinement at Adiala, hours after the acquittal was announced, the NAB arrested Imran and his wife.

The couple has been granted an eight-day physical trial today.

 

Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi challenge arrest in Toshakhana case​


PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi have sought relief from the Islamabad High Court (IHC) against their arrest in the Toshakhana case.

The petition argues that the arrest is illegal and requests their immediate release. It also requests that any future arrests in related cases be subject to the high court’s orders.

The petition has been filed through Barrister Salman Safdar and Khalid Yousuf Chaudhry.

Previously, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and wife, Bushra Bibi were interrogated for four hours at Rawalpindi's Adiala jail by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in a recently filed case related to the sale of state gifts (Toshakhana).

A team from Rawalpindi's accountability watchdog, led by Deputy Director Mohsin Haroon, interrogated the PTI founder and his wife, the couple was recently acquitted in the Iddat case by a sessions court.

Judge Afzal Majoka's short order stated to release Imran and Bushra Bibi unless they were wanted in other cases, the couple was technically free until the government charged them with a new NAB case.

According to jail sources, the NAB team questioned the couple about the gifts and their sale related to the Toshakhana.

Sources stated that questions were raised about the underpricing of a Bulgari set.

Jail sources revealed that the NAB team recorded the arrest of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi in the Toshakhana case on 13 July.

The court had approved an eight-day physical remand on 14 July, directing that the interrogation be conducted in jail.

 
NAB probes Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi in new Toshakhana reference

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) team, headed by Deputy Director Mustansar Imam Shah probed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his spouse Bushra Bibi in the new Toshakhana reference at Adiala Jail.

According to jail sources, today marks the seventh day of the NAB team’s investigation at Adiala Jail and the NAB team will present a progress report on the investigation in court tomorrow.

The NAB team is working to gather information and evidence related to the case.

Sources revealed that the court has ordered the reappearance of the PTI founder and Bushra Bibi on July 22.

It is pertinent to note that Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi are on eight-day judicial remand in new Toshakhana reference.


 

Toshakhana case: Physical remand of Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi extended by seven days​


An accountability court on Monday extended the physical remand of PTI founder Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi by seven days in newly filed Toshakhana reference by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Express News reported.

The decision follows a request by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for a 14-day extension to continue their investigations into allegations of receiving illicit gifts and selling them for profit.

Imran and Bushra will be presented in court again on July 29 for further proceedings.

Earlier on July 13, Imran and Bushra were acquitted in the Iddat case, however, PTI's relief was short-lived as the accountability watchdog arrested the PTI supremo in a new Toshakhana reference.

In the new NAB reference, the couple is accused of purchasing a jewelry set from the Toshakhana and selling it. The set is valued at Rs75 million.

 

Toshakhana case: Physical remand of Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi extended by seven days​


An accountability court on Monday extended the physical remand of PTI founder Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi by seven days in newly filed Toshakhana reference by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Express News reported.

The decision follows a request by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for a 14-day extension to continue their investigations into allegations of receiving illicit gifts and selling them for profit.

Imran and Bushra will be presented in court again on July 29 for further proceedings.

Earlier on July 13, Imran and Bushra were acquitted in the Iddat case, however, PTI's relief was short-lived as the accountability watchdog arrested the PTI supremo in a new Toshakhana reference.

In the new NAB reference, the couple is accused of purchasing a jewelry set from the Toshakhana and selling it. The set is valued at Rs75 million.

This is 3rd case against IK on the same allegations. He has already been cleared and to think that NAB chair also took watches from Toshakhana and I bet he never paid a penny. I am sure today they are working on arresting him for jaywalking that he did in 1980
 
Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi refuse to cooperate with NAB team in Toshakhana case

PTI founder Imran Khan Wednesday refused to be part of an investigation in the new Toshakhana case in absence of his lawyers.

The NAB team stayed in Adiala jail for an hour or so but the PTI founder and his wife did not cooperate in the investigation. The NAB team was led by Deputy Director Mohsin Haroon.

The NAB team had records of the purchase of jewelry. Initially, they obtained an 8-day remand, followed by a 7-day remand.

The investigation team later left Adiala Jail as both Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, did not cooperate.


Dunya News
 
Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi refuse to cooperate with NAB team in Toshakhana case

PTI founder Imran Khan Wednesday refused to be part of an investigation in the new Toshakhana case in absence of his lawyers.

The NAB team stayed in Adiala jail for an hour or so but the PTI founder and his wife did not cooperate in the investigation. The NAB team was led by Deputy Director Mohsin Haroon.

The NAB team had records of the purchase of jewelry. Initially, they obtained an 8-day remand, followed by a 7-day remand.

The investigation team later left Adiala Jail as both Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, did not cooperate.


Dunya News
Well done Kaptaan. These goons have already tried this case and lost
 
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Bushra Bibi named suspect in 11 cases including GHQ attack

The Rawalpindi police presented detailed reports in the Islamabad High Court (IHC), naming the former premier Imran Khan's wife Bushra Bibi as a suspect in eleven cases, including the GHQ attack.

These reports were submitted by the CPO Rawalpindi and details of the cases filed against Bushra Bibi were presented in the Islamabad High Court.

During the hearing regarding the provision of case details against Bushra Bibi, the NAB prosecutor submitted a response as per the court's order, revealing that four cases have been registered against her with NAB, three in Rawalpindi and one in NAB Lahore.

Rawalpindi and Islamabad police submitted their responses, while the FIA and Balochistan police have yet to do so.

The court issued fresh notices to the FIA and Balochistan police for Monday and adjourned the case until then.

Bushra Bibi's cases

Bushra Bibi has been implicated in various cases, including the Army Museum, GHQ Gate 4 attack case, the burning of a sensitive military building in Saddar Cantt, attacking an intelligence agency office on Murree Road, and other incidents of arson, rioting, and vandalism in different areas.

She has also been named in cases at the RA Bazaar, Civil Line, New Town, City, Waris Khan, and Taxila police stations.

EXPRESS TRIBUNE
 
Bushra Bibi named suspect in 11 cases including GHQ attack

The Rawalpindi police presented detailed reports in the Islamabad High Court (IHC), naming the former premier Imran Khan's wife Bushra Bibi as a suspect in eleven cases, including the GHQ attack.

These reports were submitted by the CPO Rawalpindi and details of the cases filed against Bushra Bibi were presented in the Islamabad High Court.

During the hearing regarding the provision of case details against Bushra Bibi, the NAB prosecutor submitted a response as per the court's order, revealing that four cases have been registered against her with NAB, three in Rawalpindi and one in NAB Lahore.

Rawalpindi and Islamabad police submitted their responses, while the FIA and Balochistan police have yet to do so.

The court issued fresh notices to the FIA and Balochistan police for Monday and adjourned the case until then.

Bushra Bibi's cases

Bushra Bibi has been implicated in various cases, including the Army Museum, GHQ Gate 4 attack case, the burning of a sensitive military building in Saddar Cantt, attacking an intelligence agency office on Murree Road, and other incidents of arson, rioting, and vandalism in different areas.

She has also been named in cases at the RA Bazaar, Civil Line, New Town, City, Waris Khan, and Taxila police stations.

EXPRESS TRIBUNE
So more fake cases. How many cases do they need? At least provide evidence for one.
 
Bushra Bibi named suspect in 11 cases including GHQ attack

The Rawalpindi police presented detailed reports in the Islamabad High Court (IHC), naming the former premier Imran Khan's wife Bushra Bibi as a suspect in eleven cases, including the GHQ attack.

These reports were submitted by the CPO Rawalpindi and details of the cases filed against Bushra Bibi were presented in the Islamabad High Court.

During the hearing regarding the provision of case details against Bushra Bibi, the NAB prosecutor submitted a response as per the court's order, revealing that four cases have been registered against her with NAB, three in Rawalpindi and one in NAB Lahore.

Rawalpindi and Islamabad police submitted their responses, while the FIA and Balochistan police have yet to do so.

The court issued fresh notices to the FIA and Balochistan police for Monday and adjourned the case until then.

Bushra Bibi's cases

Bushra Bibi has been implicated in various cases, including the Army Museum, GHQ Gate 4 attack case, the burning of a sensitive military building in Saddar Cantt, attacking an intelligence agency office on Murree Road, and other incidents of arson, rioting, and vandalism in different areas.

She has also been named in cases at the RA Bazaar, Civil Line, New Town, City, Waris Khan, and Taxila police stations.

EXPRESS TRIBUNE
I have to say I find this entire Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi thing weird. Everyone and his uncle...including PMLN supporters seem to acknowledge that at least 90% of the cases are made up. So it's clear the Establishment and it's stooges want him in jail by hook or crook for now at least (they can always pull him back later...nothing's final in politics).

If that's the case, why not select a couple of cases which have some semblance of truth...say the Toshakhana case which every politician in Pakistan seems guilty of, take it all the way to the Supreme Court (which they seem to have plenty of influence on) even if it's suo moto notice, secure a conviction, 5-10 year jail term and cut out the publicity on the rest?

Right now it's a daily tamasha with cases winding their way through various courts at various levels giving him plenty of publicity and keeping this stuff in the news. And on top of it, they're barely even censoring the publicity. The whole farce is being discussed in the media, YouTube, podcasts, forums like these and the public. Dawn's front page has opinion pieces ont this.

Seems like an extremely amateur operation for something being run by supposedly efficient Establishment. Look at more ruthless dictators like Sheikh Hasina, Erdogan, Putin and more efficient military juntas like Burma, Thailand and your very own Zia on how they deal with opposition. Maybe your Establishment can't make up it's mind on how much power it wants over the country.
 
I have to say I find this entire Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi thing weird. Everyone and his uncle...including PMLN supporters seem to acknowledge that at least 90% of the cases are made up. So it's clear the Establishment and it's stooges want him in jail by hook or crook for now at least (they can always pull him back later...nothing's final in politics).

If that's the case, why not select a couple of cases which have some semblance of truth...say the Toshakhana case which every politician in Pakistan seems guilty of, take it all the way to the Supreme Court (which they seem to have plenty of influence on) even if it's suo moto notice, secure a conviction, 5-10 year jail term and cut out the publicity on the rest?

Right now it's a daily tamasha with cases winding their way through various courts at various levels giving him plenty of publicity and keeping this stuff in the news. And on top of it, they're barely even censoring the publicity. The whole farce is being discussed in the media, YouTube, podcasts, forums like these and the public. Dawn's front page has opinion pieces ont this.

Seems like an extremely amateur operation for something being run by supposedly efficient Establishment. Look at more ruthless dictators like Sheikh Hasina, Erdogan, Putin and more efficient military juntas like Burma, Thailand and your very own Zia on how they deal with opposition. Maybe your Establishment can't make up it's mind on how much power it wants over the country.
Not 90%. A 100% are fake. So pathetic are the cases that when they get into any serious court, they are tossed aside like used tissues. They went with the big 3, which in theory carried the death penalty ( cypher case) and life sentences were thrown out within days( despite Amir Farooq delaying the cases).
 
Bushra Bibi moves LHC against her arrest in Toshakhana case

As per the details, Bushra Bibi filed a petition urging the court to declare her arrest as illegal and unlawful.

Bushra Bibi has also requested the court to take action against the authorities responsible for her arrest, including the superintendent of Adiala Jail and other officials.

She has alleged that she was arrested without a warrant and subjected to mistreatment and humiliation by female officials.

On July 13, Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were arrested in a fresh National Accountability Bureau (NAB) reference related to Toshakhana, hours after their acquittal in the Iddat case.

The NAB team headed by Deputy Director Mohsin Haroon arrested Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi from the Adiala Jail, the sources privy to the development added.

The development came after the Islamabad district and sessions court accepted the appeals filed by former prime minister Imran Khan and his spouse Bushra Bibi against their conviction in the Iddat case.

The couple was sentenced to seven years in prison and awarded a fine of Rs500,000 each, in February earlier this year after a trial court found their nikah to be fraudulent.

The verdict clears the last existing legal hurdle keeping the deposed prime minister in jail. His sentences in the two Toshakhana cases were suspended while he was acquitted by the Islamabad High Court (IHC) in the cipher case.

 
IHC puts NAB on notice on bail pleas of Imran, Bushra

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thusday issued notice to the accountability watchdog on bail petitions filed by former prime minister Imran Khan and his spouse Bushra Bibi in the new Toshakhana reference.

Mr Khan and his spouse, who were taken into custody following their acquittal in the Iddat case, have pleaded they were illegally remanded into NAB’s custody, which has affected their fundamental rights of liberty.

The couple’s petition was initially taken up on July 25 by a division bench comprising IHC Chief Justice Amir Farooq and Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz. However, the former prime minister’s counsel asked the IHC CJ to recuse himself from the case.

He said since Mr Khan had filed a complaint against him in the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC), he should not hear the case.

The counsel requested the case be transferred to another bench.

Even though Chief Justice Farooq rejected the request for refusal, he had to form a new bench as Justice Imtiaz went on summer vacation, and the previous bench was dissolved.

The case was then moved to a separate division bench comprising Justices Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb and Arbab Muhammad Tahir.

LHC removes objection

The Lahore High Court’s (LHC) Justice Syed Shahbaz Ali Rizvi on Thursday overruled an objection on Ms Bibi’s petition against her arrest in the third Toshakhana case.

The judge removed the registrar’s office’s objection on maintainability of the petition and directed it to be fixed for a hearing.

The petition, filed through Advocate Sardar Latif Khosa, stated that Ms Bibi and her husband had been granted bail in the Toshakhana case, but they were re arrested in a new case with malicious intent.

It claimed that during the arrest, female officials assaulted and humiliated the petitioner in Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi.

She was arrested without a warrant from the NAB chairman and was imprisoned as an act of political victimisation, the petition claimed.

It urged the court to take action against the jail superintendent and the female officials involved in the alleged assault on the petitioner and declare Ms Bibi’s arrest illegal.

DAWN
 

Bushra Bibi withdraws LHC plea challenging Toshakhana arrest​


The Lahore High Court dismissed a plea filed by Bushra Bibi, wife of PTI founder Imran Khan, after she withdrew her petition challenging her arrest in the third Toshakhana case.

The petition also sought action against the superintendent of Adiala Jail and female staff for allegedly mistreating her following her re-arrest after acquittal in the Iddat case.

The court’s registrar raised objections, stating that the Lahore High Court was not the appropriate forum for such a plea.

Bushra Bibi, represented by senior lawyer Sardar Latif Khan Khosa, requested the court declare her arrest illegal and dismiss any further investigations, FIRs, or detention orders related to the case.

In her petition, she named several respondents, including the Inspector General of Police Punjab, Superintendent of Adiala Jail, the Government of Punjab, and the Federation of Pakistan.

She claimed she was physically assaulted by female jail staff upon her re-arrest and that her detention was part of a broader campaign to target her husband, Imran Khan, through fabricated cases.

Bushra Bibi’s plea stated that her sentence in the Toshakhana case had been suspended, and she was granted bail in the Al-Qadir Trust case.

She was also acquitted in the Iddat case on July 13, 2024.

Despite these legal victories, she alleged that she was re-arrested in a fresh Toshakhana case, which she deemed illegal and a violation of her rights.

She further argued that the re-arrest was a breach of section 17(d) of the National Accountability Ordinance 1999.

Bushra Bibi claimed that no reasons for her arrest were provided, nor were any orders from the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) shown to her, denying her the right to know the charges against her.

The petition highlighted the alleged mistreatment by uniformed female jail staff, which she described as a humiliating and degrading experience, especially given the lack of a valid arrest warrant.

 
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