ISLAMABAD: A local court in Islamabad has chosen to take up a case concerning the marriage of PTI Founder Imran Khan and his wife, which a complainant alleges is illegal and contrary to Sharia law.
The couple is additionally accused of fornication. Nevertheless, the court has signaled its requirement for two eyewitnesses as requested by the complainant.
This matter was deliberated upon by Senior Civil Judge Qudratullah at the District and Sessions Courts Islamabad, with Khawar Manika, the complainant, appearing before the court.
After hearing arguments regarding the case’s admissibility, the judge reserved his decision, later announcing it as admissible.
Notices have been served to the concerned parties for December 14 under Section 496B of the Pakistan Penal Code, which addresses fornication, carrying a maximum penalty of five years in jail and a fine of Rs10,000.
Initially accused of marrying within the three-month iddat period following a divorce, Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi are now facing allegations of fornication from Bushra Bibi’s former husband, Khawar Maneka.
Rizwan Abbasi, Maneka’s lawyer, argued that Section 296B applied in this case, asserting that Khawar Maneka and his servant Latif were the two eyewitnesses.
However, the judge maintained the necessity for two additional witnesses as per the law, besides the complainant.
The lawyer persisted in presenting his argument, suggesting that a maid-servant present in the house could be produced as a witness. The court also inquired about the availability of medical evidence.
