Former prime minister Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi on Friday approached the Islamabad High Court seeking early fixation of their appeals in the Toshakhana I case and the £190 million Al-Qadir Trust case, citing “inordinate delays” in proceedings.
The couple filed petitions under Section 561-A of the Criminal Procedure Code, requesting the court to expedite hearings and ensure access to their legal counsel.
Appeals against conviction
The appeals challenge the January 31, 2024 judgment of an accountability court that convicted the couple in the Toshakhana I case and handed down a 14-year sentence.
Although the Islamabad High Court later suspended their sentences in April 2024, the appeals against conviction are yet to be fixed for final hearing.
In their petition, the couple argued that the trial court verdict was passed without proper appreciation of evidence and involved “serious misreading and non-reading” of material on record.
£190 million case and delays
In the separate £190 million Al-Qadir Trust case, both petitioners sought suspension of sentence and early hearing of their applications.
The court had earlier adjourned proceedings on March 31 after defence counsel requested time to seek fresh instructions.
Bushra Bibi also filed a separate application, stating that her plea for suspension of sentence has been pending for over ten months despite notices being issued earlier.
The petitions alleged that the National Accountability Bureau had used procedural tactics to delay proceedings, including repeated adjournments on various grounds.
Access to legal counsel
The couple also raised concerns over restricted access to their lawyers at Adiala Jail.
Their legal team argued that denial of meetings violates constitutional rights, including the right to fair trial and due process.
Lead counsel Barrister Salman Safdar stated he had been unable to meet his clients for nearly three months, affecting preparation of the appeals.
Health concerns highlighted
The petition also referred to the medical condition of Imran Khan, citing an eye ailment requiring treatment not available inside jail facilities.
The issue of his health has drawn attention in recent months.
Legal team and request
The petitions were filed through a legal team comprising Salman Safdar, Salman Akram Raja, and Barrister Ali Zafar.
The petitioners urged the court to ensure expeditious disposal of the cases, stating that continued delay could cause “irreparable loss” and undermine the principle that justice must be seen to be done.
Conclusion – 316 Zone
The Islamabad High Court is now expected to take up the petitions and decide whether to fix early hearings in both cases, which remain among the most high-profile legal matters in Pakistan.