An appeal challenging the acquittal of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in the Iddat case has been referred to the Chief Justice of Islamabad High Court for formation of a new bench .
The hearing, chaired by Additional Judge Justice Azam Khan, featured arguments from both sides.
The petitioner, Khawar Maneka, was represented by legal advisor Zahid Asif Chaudhry and Iqbal Kakur, among others.
Representing the respondents, Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, were lawyers Ali Bukhari, Shoaib Shaheen and Niazullah Niazi.
During the proceedings, Zahid Asif Chaudhry argued that the acquittal order issued on July 13, 2024 by the additional sessions judge was being challenged.
Responding to this, Shoaib Shaheen raised concerns about the bench’s impartiality, requesting that the case be transferred to a different panel of judges.
“You have already revealed your position; This case should be moved to another bench,” Shoaib Shaheen argued.
Justice Azam Khan addressed the concerns, stating: “We have earlier heard a review petition against an order. In light of your request, we will send the case to the Chief Justice for the formation of a new bench.”
Following this, the Court officially transferred the appeal file to Chief Justice Aamer Farooq of the Islamabad High Court.
The Iddat case revolves around allegations that the marriage of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi took place during Bushra’s Iddat period, a duration prescribed by Islamic law after divorce.
Both were acquitted in July 2024, but due to legal objections, an appeal was filed in court.
Chief Justice Aamer Farooq will now determine the composition of the new bench to hear the appeal.
Imran, Bushra convicted in £190m case
Earlier this month, former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were convicted in the £190 million case. Imran Khan was sentenced to 14 years in prison, while Bushra Bibi received a seven-year prison term.
Accountability Court Judge Nasir Javed Rana announced the order in a courtroom inside Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, where Imran had been detained for more than a year.
In addition to the jail terms, the court imposed fines of Rs1 million on Imran and Rs500,000 on Bushra. If the fines are not paid, Imran Khan will serve an additional six months in prison, and Bushra Bibi will face an additional three months.
The verdict also declared that the property of the “Sham Trust”, al-Qadir University Project Trust, must be forfeited to the federal government in accordance with Section 10(a) of the National Accountability Ordinance, 1999.
The verdict was announced amid tight security outside the jail. After the verdict, Bushra Bibi was immediately arrested in the courtroom.
