Date and Court: Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Mujoka’s Court Dismisses the appeals of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. And his wife Bushra Bibi, seeking suspension of their sentences in the Nikah case during the waiting period (iddat).
Detailed Judgement Court Dismisses
- Decision Announcement: The court announced the reserved decision, dismissing the appeals.
- Active Voice: The court issued a 10-page decision stating no justification for sentence suspension for both accused.
Bushra Bibi’s gender does not warrant suspension or release on bail. - Legal Reference: The decision referenced the Pakistan Criminal Law Journal case of Muhammad Riaz vs. State, emphasizing that bail is a right for under-trial prisoners, not convicts.
Case Background Court Dismisses
- Complaint Filed: On November 25, 2023, Bushra Bibi’s former husband, Khawar Maneka, filed a complaint in Islamabad court.
- Initial Verdict: On February 2, 2024, Senior Civil Judge Qudratullah sentenced Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi to seven years each.
- Active Voice: They filed the appeals on February 23, 2024, in the court of Sessions Judge.
Shahrukh Arjumand.
- Proceedings: The appeals were transferred to Judge Afzal Mujoka on June 3, 2024, following Khawar Maneka’s expression of no confidence in Judge Arjumand.
PTI’s Response
- Disappointment and Legal Actions: PTI expressed dismay over the dismissal and announced plans to challenge the decision in higher courts.
- Opposition Leader’s Statement: Omar Ayub, the opposition leader, criticized the decision, stating it politicized a personal matter and plans to accelerate their political movement.
Allegations of Political Motivations
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Passive Voice: The case was accused by PTI leaders of being politically motivated and intended to imprison Imran Khan and his wife.
- Future Actions: PTI plans to file an immediate appeal in the High Court against Judge Mujoka’s decision.
Other Cases
- Freedom March Cases: Judicial Magistrate Yasir Mahmood reserved judgment on acquittal requests for Imran Khan. Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Faisal Javed in two cases related to the Freedom March.
- Punjab Cabinet’s Decision: The Lahore High Court postponed hearings on petitions against. The Punjab cabinet’s decision to nominate PTI leaders in additional cases.
Jail Visits
Meetings in Adiala Jail: Senior PTI leaders and Bushra Bibi’s family members visited Imran Khan in jail. Discussions included the court’s decision on the Nikah case during the waiting period.
