In a significant legal development, an Islamabad court today dealt a blow to former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi by rejecting their appeals to suspend their sentences in a controversial case involving an alleged unlawful marriage.
The Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADSJ) Afzal Majoka delivered the long-awaited verdict following a series of legal maneuvers. Imran Khan, who has been in detention since last August, and Bushra Bibi, incarcerated since February 4, 2024, had both filed appeals seeking relief. The decision had been pending since Judge Shah Rukh Arjumand reserved it on May 23.
The case gained prominence initially when Khawar Manika lodged a no-confidence plea, prompting the Islamabad High Court to transfer it to the court of ADSJ Muhammad Afzal Majoka at the request of Judge Arjumand. In compliance with the High Court’s directive to expedite the matter, the District and Sessions Court finally reserved its verdict on June 25. The conviction related to Iddat, a period of waiting for women after divorce or widowhood, has sparked widespread criticism from civil society, women activists, and legal experts who see it as a setback for women’s rights, particularly regarding dignity and privacy.
Imran Khan, a prominent figure in Pakistani politics and the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has had a tumultuous political career marked by highs and lows. His marriage to Bushra Bibi, a spiritual mentor and prominent figure in her own right, has been closely scrutinized by both supporters and critics alike.
Khawar Manika, whose role in the legal proceedings brought attention to the case, has been a vocal critic of the legal process surrounding Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi’s marriage case. His actions and statements have added a layer of controversy and public interest to the ongoing legal saga.
The District and Sessions Court’s decision not to suspend Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi’s sentences is expected to fuel further debate and legal challenges, underscoring the complexities and sensitivities surrounding issues of personal rights and legal interpretations in Pakistan’s judicial landscape.