A court in Islamabad cleared Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi. They were in jail because of the Iddat case. The court accepted their appeals, and they can now leave jail.
Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were found guilty in the Iddat case on February 3, days before the elections. Bushra’s ex-husband, Khawar Maneka, complained. He said they married during Bushra’s Iddat period.
Judge Qudratullah sentenced them to seven years in jail and fined them Rs500,000 each. Many people criticized this decision, saying it was unfair.
Judge Shahrukh Arjumand heard the case before and reserved the verdict for May. However, on the day of the announcement, he asked to transfer the case. Maneka requested this change. The case was moved to Judge Afzal Majoka.
Judge Majoka rejected Imran and Bushra’s pleas last month. They wanted to suspend their sentences. Today, he announced the judgment at 3 PM.
Imran Khan and Bushra Acquitted: No Other Cases Pending
The judge said to release Imran and Bushra. He said they should go free if no other case wants them.
Maneka filed two applications earlier today. He wanted Bushra’s medical checkup and advice from religious scholars on the duration of Iddat. The judge dismissed both requests and ordered Imran and Bushra’s release.
The short order said the appeals were accepted. Imran and Bushra were acquitted. It said the prison should release them if no other case needs them.
Imran also faced other cases. He was cleared in many cases, such as the Toshakhana case. His first arrest on May 9, 2023, caused riots, and the state cracked down on him and his party after this.
The Islamabad High Court gave Imran bail in the £190 million corruption case. They said keeping him in jail was pointless. However, a Lahore court dismissed his bail petitions in three cases from the May 9 riots.
The government wants to keep Imran in jail for five years. They think this will bring stability. Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan could progress if Imran stays in jail.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan called the verdict a victory. Gohar Khan said Imran stood firm and the win was for the country and the judiciary. He said the case was for political victimization.
Imran Khan’s Case Takes a New Turn in Court
At the hearing, Maneka’s lawyer said Imran could bring witnesses and that the court could accept evidence anytime. He claimed Imran blamed Bushra for the case. The judge said both were responsible.
Imran’s lawyer, Salman Raja, argued. His lawyer cited the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance 1961. He said the marriage could not be called fraud. He presented a photocopy of the divorce papers.
The court reserved the verdict after Raja’s arguments. Imran and Bushra were found guilty under Section 496 of the Pakistan Penal Code for a fraudulent marriage ceremony. The charges were framed on Maneka’s complaint.
The Islamabad High Court stopped the proceedings on January 19, restrained the prosecution, and later dropped the “illegitimate relations” charge.
The court granted relief to Imran and Bushra and quashed Section 496-B of the PPC. The trial court did not frame this charge.
To read our blog on “Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood indicted by court in cipher case,” click here