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

Disregarding CCI
Updated 04 Nov, 2024

Disregarding CCI

The failure to regularly convene CCI meetings means that the process of democratic decision-making is falling apart.
Defeating TB
04 Nov, 2024

Defeating TB

CONSIDERING the fact that Pakistan has the fifth highest burden of tuberculosis in the world as per the World Health...
Ceasefire charade
Updated 04 Nov, 2024

Ceasefire charade

The US talks of peace, while simultaneously arming and funding their Israeli allies, are doomed to fail, and are little more than a charade.
Concerning measures
Updated 03 Nov, 2024

Concerning measures

The govt must seek political input and consensus on the changes it is seeking to make and be open about its intentions.
Short-lived relief?
03 Nov, 2024

Short-lived relief?

POLICYMAKERS must be jumping with joy. At the close of the first quarter of FY25, the budget posted a consolidated...
Brisk spread
03 Nov, 2024

Brisk spread

THE surge in polio cases has reached distressing levels with a tally of 45 last reported, after two cases emerged in...