Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi’s Pleas Rejected in Islamabad Court

A district and sessions court in Islamabad has declined the pleas of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, to suspend their seven-year sentences in the Iddat Case. The verdict, which had been reserved earlier, was announced by Additional District and Sessions Judge Afzal Majoka.

Lawyers, women activists, and members of civil society have condemned the Iddat conviction, calling it a ‘blow to women’s right to dignity and privacy.’ The ruling has led to protests in Islamabad and criticism in Karachi against the ‘state’s intrusion into people’s private lives.’

Prior to the general elections, on February 3, an Islamabad court sentenced the couple to seven years in prison and fined them each PKR 500,000 for getting married during Bushra Bibi’s Iddat period. The couple was also given 14 years in prison in the Toshakhana case, while Imran Khan and his foreign minister, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, were given 10 years in prison in the Cypher case. However, Imran and Qureshi were found not guilty in the Cypher case earlier this month, and the penalties in the Toshakhana case were suspended in April.

The case was initially heard by District and Sessions Judge Shahrukh Arjumand, who reserved the verdict in May. On the day of the anticipated announcement, he requested the matter be transferred, citing Maneka’s plea to be removed from the appeals panel. The case was then moved to ADSJ Majoka.

In a related development, Bushra Bibi’s attorney petitioned the Islamabad High Court for her release on bond and a sentence suspension. The Islamabad High Court has instructed the sessions court to rule on the pleas of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and his wife within ten days.