The Islamabad High Court has scheduled hearing of Khawar Maneka’s appeal against the acquittal of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and former first lady Bushra Bibi in the Iddat marriage case for tomorrow. .
Justice Azam Khan, recently appointed to the Islamabad High Court, will preside over the hearing. Khawar Maneka had challenged the decision given by an additional judge on July 13, 2024, which acquitted the couple in the case. The appeal requests the annulment of the lower court’s ruling.
On 13 July 2024, the Additional Sessions Judge acquitted Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi of charges related to their alleged marriage during the Iddat of Bushra Bibi (a waiting period prescribed by Islamic law after the divorce of a woman or of the husband’s death).
Earlier, the Islamabad District and Session Court set aside the seven-year prison sentence imposed on Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi by Civil Judge Qudratullah, granting them an honorable acquittal in the case.
During the hearing, Salman Akram Raja represented Imran Khan, while Usman Riaz Gul appeared on behalf of Bushra Bibi. Both lawyers cross-examined the four prosecution witnesses, including Khawar Maneka, Awn Chaudhry, Nikah Khwan (marriage officiant) Mufti Saeed and a domestic help, Latif.
Khawar Maneka has filed an appeal challenging the sessions court’s decision to acquit the couple, which will now be reviewed by the Islamabad High Court.
