ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday issued a notice to the complainant and prosecution regarding a petition seeking the suspension of the sentence of former prime minister Imran Khan and his spouse, Bushra Bibi, in the Iddat case.
The couple was convicted by a senior civil judge on February 3 for contracting marriage during Ms. Bibi’s Iddat period, a waiting period mandated by Islamic law following the death or divorce of a spouse. They were each sentenced to seven years in jail and fined Rs500,000.
Following the conviction, Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi challenged the ruling before district and sessions judge Shahrukh Arjumand. However, Judge Arjumand recused himself just as the hearing had concluded and the court was about to announce the verdict. The case was subsequently transferred to Judge Afzal Majoka.
In a new development, the counsel for Bushra Bibi filed a petition before the IHC seeking her release on bail and the suspension of her sentence. The registrar’s office initially raised administrative objections to the petition, citing that the petitioner was already seeking similar relief from a sessions court.
During the hearing of the petition, Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb overruled these administrative objections. He also criticized Judge Arjumand’s decision to recuse himself, stating that the reason for his recusal was “not justified.”
Salman Akram Raja, counsel for Bushra Bibi, argued that Judge Arjumand had already scheduled a date to announce the verdict after concluding the proceedings. The announcement was set for May 29 but was postponed due to the judge’s recusal.
Raja emphasized the distinctiveness of Bushra Bibi’s case, highlighting her seven-year prison sentence, and urged the IHC to exercise its authority to suspend the sentence.
The court has adjourned further hearings until June 13.