ISLAMABAD: A district and sessions court in Islamabad reserved its verdict on Thursday regarding the pleas filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in the controversial un-Islamic nikah case. The case has garnered significant public and media attention, highlighting the intricate intersection of religious, legal, and political issues in Pakistan.
Judge Shahrukh Arjumand, who presided over the proceedings, reserved the verdict before retiring to his chambers. The eagerly awaited decision is scheduled to be announced on May 29, which is expected to have far-reaching implications for the involved parties.
The reservation of the verdict followed the court’s thorough hearing of arguments presented by lawyers from both sides. Salman Akram Raja, a prominent lawyer, represented Imran Khan, while Bushra Bibi was represented by her counsel, Usman Gul. Prosecutor Adnan Ali was also present in the courtroom when the verdict was reserved, adding to the courtroom’s tense atmosphere.
The assistant counsel for the complainant pointed out that Rizwan Abbasi, the lawyer for Khawar Maneka—Bushra Bibi’s former husband—needed to present further arguments, as the necessary records were not with him. Addressing Bushra Bibi’s lawyer, the sessions judge instructed him to deliver the final arguments. Additionally, the judge requested Abbasi to present his arguments via video link to expedite the process.
Last month, a local court in Islamabad dismissed Maneka’s no-confidence motion regarding the appeals against the conviction in the iddat case. Maneka’s motion expressed distrust in the judge and sought to transfer the case to another court. Judge Arjumand questioned Maneka about his belief in the judge’s alleged bias, to which Maneka responded that his entire family believed the judge would acquit the accused.
Khan’s lawyer contended that seeking a case transfer amounted to contempt of court, referencing Justice Babar Sattar’s imposition of a fine on the no-confidence motion. This led to a heated exchange between Maneka and Raja, culminating in Judge Arjumand rejecting Maneka’s no-confidence plea, further intensifying the case’s complexity and public intrigue.
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