Iddat Case: Appeal against Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi's acquittal scheduled for hearing
The Islamabad High Court has scheduled the hearing of Khawar Maneka's appeal against the acquittal of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and former First Lady Bushra Bibi in the Iddat marriage case for tomorrow.
Justice Azam Khan, recently appointed to the Islamabad High Court, will preside over the hearing. Khawar Maneka had challenged the decision issued by an additional sessions judge on 13 July 2024, which acquitted the couple in the case. The appeal calls for the annulment of the lower court's verdict.
On 13 July 2024, the additional sessions judge had acquitted Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi of charges related to their alleged marriage during Bushra Bibi's Iddat (a waiting period prescribed by Islamic law after a woman's divorce or husband's death).
Previously, the district and sessions court in Islamabad overturned the seven-year prison sentence handed down to Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi by Senior Civil Judge Qudratullah, granting them an honourable acquittal in the case.
During the hearing, Salman Akram Raja represented Imran Khan, while Usman Riaz Gul appeared on behalf of Bushra Bibi. Both lawyers cross-examined the prosecution's four witnesses, which included Khawar Maneka, Awn Chaudhry, Nikah Khwan (marriage officiant) Mufti Saeed, and a household employee, Latif.
Khawar Maneka has filed an appeal challenging the sessions court's decision to acquit the couple, which will now be reviewed by the Islamabad High Court.
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