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Pakistani courts to decide legal action against Imran Khan: US

Pakistani courts to decide legal action against Imran Khan: US

Web Desk
Jun 04, 2024

WASHINGTON: The United States (US) Department of State Spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that Pakistani courts only hold the authority to determine whether legal action should be taken against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan on Monday.

During a press briefing in Washington, the spokesperson responded to inquiries regarding the former prime minister’s acquittal in the cipher case.

Matthew Miller said that the decision on legal action against Imran Khan rested with Pakistani courts, stating that it was important to consider “relevant circumstances” and context in such matters.

The spokesperson also addressed questions about the Iddat case involving Imran Khan and his wife, former First Lady Bushra Bibi. As with the cipher case, Miller said that Pakistani courts only have jurisdiction over the matter.

The Iddat case involves former Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi. Allegations suggest that the couple married during Bushra Bibi’s mandatory waiting period after a divorce under Shariah.

The complaint was filed by Bushra Bibi’s former husband Khawar Maneka in November 2023. On February 3, a trial court sentenced Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi to seven years in prison for contracting marriage during the Iddat period.

The couple appealed against their conviction, arguing that the complaint was filed late and politically motivated. The appellate court reserved its decision on the appeals, with the verdict expected on 29 May 2024.

Meanwhile, despite being cleared of charges in the cipher case by the Islamabad High Court, Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi remaine behind bars. Khan’s release was halted due to his involvement in the Iddat case, while Qureshi was detained in connection with eight cases linked to the May 9 riots in Lahore. Despite their legal battles, both men maintain their innocence.