Islamabad (from our correspondent)—Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka adjourned the hearing of appeals against the convictions of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi for their marriage during the waiting period (Iddat) until July 8, remarking that a decision on the appeals must be made by July 12.
During yesterday’s hearing, Salman Akram Raja, the founder of PTI’s lawyer, provided various judicial references regarding Muslim law and stated that family law is part of personal law. Therefore, such cases fall under the jurisdiction of the Shariat Court. According to his argument, the Supreme Court’s decision maintains that the divorce would still be effective even if the union council’s procedure weren’t completed. In this case, the references cited do not mention Iddat. A woman can marry without a certificate from the union council. If this continues, authorities must declare thousands of marriages void every year.
Salman Akram Raja referred to Khawar Maneka’s TV interview, in which Maneka describes Bushra Bibi as pure and mentions her spiritual connection with the PTI founder. He noted that there are various references regarding the completion of the Iddat and that 39 days of the Iddat are also acceptable. The honorable judge inquired if the trial court should have accepted these references or asked for evidence. Salman Akram Raja confirmed that the court could have asked for proof and that all statements by witnesses. Including Khawar Maneka and Latif, which are based on lies. Bushra Bibi’s lawyer, Salman Safdar, argued briefly, and the honorable judge expressed hope. They would complete the case by the 8th. Salman Safdar mentioned he would be unavailable the next day but would complete his arguments within two hours, starting at 9 AM on Monday.
Additionally, the Chief Justice of Islamabad High Court, Aamer Farooq, directed the Registrar’s Office to schedule a hearing after addressing. The objections regarding the petition against administrative interference in Adiala Jail’s matters. And the obstacles to meetings and consultations with the PTI founder. The Chief Justice questioned how a Major and a Colonel could also be parties in the case. Advocate Shoaib Shaheen clarified that they made the Ministry of Defense a party, not the individuals. They also attached previous court orders to the petition. The court removed the Registrar’s Office’s objections and scheduled the petition for a hearing.
Anti-Terrorism Court Islamabad Judge Tahir Abbas Supra requested a report from the Superintendent of Adiala Jail. The PTI founders and others attended two cases registered at Khanna police station, adjourning the hearing until July 31. During the hearing, the court instructed that all accused must ensure their attendance. The next hearing declared that the court would consider those absent as fugitives. Judicial Magistrate Yasir Mehmood acquitted the PTI founder, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Sheikh Rasheed, Shehryar Afridi, Faisal Javed, Raja Khurram Nawaz, Ali Nawaz Awan, Asad Qaiser, and others in a case registered at Aabpara police station. Judicial Magistrate Yasir Mehmood announced the decision to reserve yesterday.
