Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi move IHC seeking early hearing of key appeals

Former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi have approached the Islamabad High Court (IHC), urging it to expedite hearings of their appeals in the Toshakhana-I and £190 million corruption cases, citing prolonged delays and procedural hurdles.

In multiple petitions filed under Section 561-A of the Code of Criminal Procedure, the couple requested the court to fix their appeals for early hearing and final adjudication. They have challenged their conviction in the Toshakhana-I case, in which an accountability court sentenced them to 14 years in prison in January 2024. Although the IHC later suspended their sentences, the appeals remain pending.

The petitions argue that the trial court verdict was flawed, alleging it was delivered without proper judicial consideration and involved a misinterpretation of key evidence. The couple has maintained that delays in the appellate process are undermining their right to timely justice.

Plea cites delays, legal access concerns

The filings also raise concerns over repeated adjournments, particularly in the £190 million Al-Qadir Trust case, where applications for suspension of sentence have yet to be decided. The defence claims that the prosecution, including the National Accountability Bureau, has used procedural tactics to slow down proceedings.

Separately, Bushra Bibi has sought a ruling on her pending plea for suspension of sentence, noting that her application has remained undecided for several months despite earlier notices issued by the court. The petition states that she has already served more than a year of her seven-year sentence and, as a female convict, is entitled to legal leniency.

Both petitioners have also complained about restricted access to legal counsel at Adiala Jail, arguing that limited meetings are hampering case preparation. Their legal team has requested court directions to ensure immediate and uninterrupted consultations.

Health, fairness and constitutional rights highlighted

Imran Khan’s petition additionally points to his medical condition, specifically an eye ailment, stating that adequate treatment is not available within prison facilities. His lawyers argue that continued incarceration without proper care raises serious concerns.

The petitions further contend that denial of regular access to lawyers violates constitutional guarantees, including the right to a fair trial and due process. Defence counsel Barrister Salman Safdar has also informed the court that he has been unable to meet his clients for months, making it difficult to obtain updated instructions.

The legal team, which includes prominent lawyers, has urged the IHC to prioritise the cases, stressing that justice must not only be done but be seen to be done. They warned that continued delays could result in irreparable harm to the petitioners’ legal rights and case outcomes.