ISLAMABAD: An Additional District and Sessions Court on Saturday ordered the release of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in the iddat case.
The court’s decision marks a significant turn in the legal proceedings that have garnered widespread attention.
Key Highlights:
Acquittal Decision: Additional District and Sessions Court Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka pronounced the reserved verdict, declaring the trial court’s previous decision null and void.
Appeal Acceptance: The court accepted the pleas of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, seeking the annulment of their convictions in the iddat case.
Immediate Release Ordered: Judge Majoka ordered the immediate release of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, provided they are not wanted in any other case. Additionally, the court dismissed the medical board’s plea.
Case Background:
The iddat case revolved around allegations that Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi married during the three-month iddat period following Bushra Bibi’s divorce from her former husband, Khawar Maneka.
Maneka claimed that the marriage was illegal under Sharia law and accused the couple of fornication.
Initial Sentencing: Senior Civil Judge Qudratullah had sentenced Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi to seven years in prison and imposed a fine of Rs 500,000 each.
Appeals and Rejections: Initially, a district and sessions court in Islamabad had rejected their pleas to suspend the sentences.
However, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) directed the sessions court to announce the verdict on the suspension of the conviction within a month.
Imran Khan – Bushra Bibi Marriage:
Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were married in February 2018 in a private ceremony in Lahore. The event was attended by close relatives and friends, including the bride’s mother.
Former PTI leader Awn Chaudhary and former Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) Zulfi Bukhari were witnesses to the nikah, which was performed by Mufti Saeed.
Impact and Reactions:
The acquittal has sparked various reactions across the political spectrum and among the general populace.
Supporters of PTI and the acquitted individuals have expressed their satisfaction with the outcome, viewing it as a victory for justice. Political analysts are closely examining the implications of this decision on Pakistan’s broader political landscape.
The legal teams of the acquitted individuals have also hailed the decision, emphasizing the importance of the appellate process in ensuring justice and fair play within the judicial system.