Imran Khan - Bushra Bibi Iddat Case Updates

Verdict in Iddat Nikah Case Expected by July 12, Says Judge

ISLAMABAD: Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADSJ), Islamabad, Mohammad Afzal Majoka, has mandated that the court deliver a verdict in the Iddat Nikah case by July 12. The court postponed the hearing on the appeals to July 8.

Previously, on June 13, the Islamabad High Court directed the sessions court to resolve within ten days the pleas filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi, who sought the suspension of their sentences in the Iddat case. Islamabad High Court judge Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb also instructed the sessions court to decide on their pleas against the conviction within one month.

During the latest hearing, Judge Majoka reviewed the appeals against the convictions of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi. Lawyers representing the PTI founder and his wife presented their arguments.

Imran Khan’s lawyer, Salman Akram Raja, argued that the complainant’s statement alone was insufficient for a conviction without supporting evidence. He claimed that the trial court lacked the legal authority to rule on the case and cited Surah Baqarah, contending that the Iddat period is not 90 days. Judge Majoka noted that both the Islamabad and Lahore High Courts have judgments indicating 90 days, and mentioned that the Supreme Court's decision would be final.

Judge Majoka questioned whether the trial court should have accepted the references or sought additional evidence. Salman Akram Raja responded that the court could have sought further evidence if the references were not accepted, emphasizing that the trial court overlooked the Shariat Appellate Bench of the Supreme Court and questioned who committed fraud in this case.

The PTI founder’s counsel argued that the case was based solely on Latif’s statement, which, along with testimonies from witnesses including Khawar Manika and Latif, was false. He also highlighted that 92 CRMS gives weight to the woman’s statement.

After completing his arguments, Bushra Bibi’s lawyer, Salman Safdar, agreed with Salman Akram Raja’s arguments regarding the Iddat period and had nothing further to add. He commended Salman Akram Raja for his thorough handling of the case.

Judge Majoka insisted that the arguments be completed by July 8 and reiterated the necessity for the court to issue a decision by July 12. The court adjourned the hearing until July 8.

Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were convicted on February 3 by a senior civil judge for marrying during Bushra Bibi’s Iddat period. They were sentenced to seven years in prison and fined Rs500,000 each. They appealed the conviction before District and Sessions Judge Shahrukh Arjumand, who recused himself after the hearing concluded and the verdict was pending. The case was then transferred to Additional District and Sessions Judge Mohammad Afzal Majoka.

Meanwhile, Bushra Bibi’s counsel has filed a petition with the Islamabad High Court seeking her release on bail and the suspension of her sentence.