July 14, 2024
2 mins read

Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi acquitted in unlawful marriage case

The decision that was widely criticised by civil society, women activists and lawyers. The verdict had coincided with the Toshakhana and cipher case sentences…reports Asian Lite News

An Islamabad district and sessions court ordered on Saturday to release former Pakistan PM and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in the Iddat case, Dawn reported.

Additional district and sessions judge (ADSJ) Afzal Majoka announced the judgment a little after 3pm after reserving the verdict earlier in the day.

According to the Dawn, the judge said after accepting their appeals: “If they are not wanted in any other case, then PTI founder Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi should be released [from jail] immediately.”

The judge said the orders for the release of PTI founder and his spouse have been issued.

The PTI founder and Bushra were sentenced to seven years in prison and awarded a fine of Rs500,000 each, in February earlier this year after a trial court found their nikah to be fraudulent as Khawar Maneka, Bushra’s ex-husband, moved the court against the couple’s marriage.

The decision that was widely criticised by civil society, women activists and lawyers. The verdict had coincided with the Toshakhana and cipher case sentences.

The couple had then challenged their conviction and had even moved the IHC seeking varying relief from the court.

The verdict clears the last existing legal hurdle keeping Imran in jail as he has been acquitted by various courts in several other cases — including Toshakhana and cipher — filed against him since the events of May 9, 2023 — the day when his first arrest had caused riots across the country, following which the state had launched a crackdown against him and his party, the Dawn reported.

The couple was convicted in Iddat case on February 3 — days before the general elections — on a complaint filed by Bushra Bibi’s ex-husband, Khawar Fareed Maneka, who alleged that they contracted marriage during the former first lady’s Iddat period.

Following the verdict, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan, while speaking to the media, said that the purpose of the conviction was to force Imran to compromise but “Imran has stood steady as a rock”.

“I met Imran Khan and Bibi today as well in Adiala, and he was very happy about yesterday’s verdict,” Gohar said referring to the Supreme Court’s decision to rule the PTI eligible for reserved seats.

“The win today is the country’s win and is a win for the independent judiciary. The world has now seen that this was merely a case made for political victimisation”, it reported. (ANI)

ALSO READ-‘Pakistan in CPEC Debt Trap, China Holds the Key’

Previous Story

TTP now largest terror group in Afghanistan: UN

Next Story

Pakistan reverses flour export policy amid protests

Latest from -Top News

Modi Strengthens Defence, Energy Ties in Saudi

Both sides agreed to hold the next Strategic Partnership Council meeting at a mutually convenient date….reports Asian Lite News India and Saudi Arabia have expanded their bilateral Strategic Partnership Council by adding

India Donates Vaccines to Afghanistan

The Afghan Ministry of Public Health expressed gratitude towards India for its generous contribution….reports Asian Lite News India has donated 4.8 tonnes of vaccines to Afghanistan as part of its ongoing humanitarian

Global Grief Over J&K Terror Strike

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also condemned the horrific terror attack, stating that violence can not be justified….reports Asian Lite News Condolences have poured in from around the world after the horrific

Pakistan Condemns J&K Terror Strike

Pakistan’s Foreign Office issued a brief statement, saying, “We are concerned at the loss of tourists’ lives in an attack in Anantnag district…reports Asian Lite News Pakistan on Wednesday responded to the

Muslim World League Condemns Terror in Pahalgam

Prime Minister Modi commended the firm stand of the Muslim World League against extremism, terrorism and violence….reports Asian Lite News The Muslim World League has condemned the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam,
Go toTop

Don't Miss

TTP denies Imran Khan’s assassination claim

TTP said its war was against the security forces and

Imran Khan and judiciary put Pakistan Army in disarray

Two generals had informed General Asim Munir beforehand if the