The Islamabad High Court has adjourned the hearing on the plea to suspend the sentence of PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in the 190 million pounds case until June 11.
According to media reports, the hearing was conducted by Acting Chief Justice Sardar Sarfraz Dogar and Justice Muhammad Asif. The petition challenges the trial court’s verdict that sentenced both individuals.
During the proceedings, Barrister Salman Safdar argued that the hearing date was granted after much struggle, noting that over 300 cases have been filed against Imran Khan. He stated that the trial court’s decision was flawed and controversial, keeping both husband and wife imprisoned for the past six months. He added that the judge who passed the sentence had Supreme Court observations against him.
Special Prosecutor NAB, Rafay Maqsood, requested more time, stating that he received notice of the case just the previous night and that no Prosecutor General had yet been appointed by the federal government. He requested four weeks to respond.
Barrister Safdar opposed the delay, emphasizing that Bushra Bibi had been sentenced to seven years and is entitled to bail. He criticized the speed of the trial at the lower court and alleged that dates of the verdict had been leaked to journalists in advance—something he said he had never seen in 23 years of legal practice.
He further pointed out that Bushra Bibi’s sentence was issued within less than 20 days, and while the prosecution rushed the trial, the High Court hearing was being repeatedly delayed.
In response to NEB’s request for four weeks, the Acting Chief Justice remarked that if NAB needs time to notify the prosecution team, they may take seven days. The court then directed NAB to notify the team within a week and adjourned the hearing to June 11.
