ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday issued a notice to the complainant and prosecution on a petition seeking the suspension of the sentence of former prime minister Imran Khan and his spouse Bushra Bibi in Iddat case.

The couple were convicted by a senior civil judge on Feb 3 for contracting marriage during Ms Bibi’s Iddat period. They were sentenced for seven years in jail with a fine of Rs500,000 each.

They challenged the conviction before district and sessions judge Shahrukh Arjumand, who recused himself at a time when the hearing had been concluded and the court was supposed to announce verdict.

Subsequently, the case was transferred to another judge Afzal Majoka.

However, the counsel for Bushra Bibi filed a petition before the IHC seeking her release on bail and suspension of her sentence.

The registrar office raised some administrative objections to the petition on the grounds that the petitioner was seeking same relief from a sessions court.

While hearing arguments of her counsel on the petition, Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb removed the administrative objections. He also remarked that the reason for which Judge Arjumand had recused himself was “not justified”.

Counsel for the petitioner Salman Akram Raja informed the court that the judge had already fixed a date for the verdict after concluding the proceedings.

It was scheduled to be announced on May 29, but the verdict could not be pronounced, he argued.

The counsel said her case was distinct, noting she had been sentenced to seven years in prison. He urged the IHC to exercise its authority to suspend the sentence.

Further hearing has been adjourned till June 13.

Published in Dawn, June 12th, 2024

Opinion

Editorial

Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...