Islamabad Court Acquits Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi in Iddat Case
ISLAMABAD – In a significant legal development, a district and sessions court granted relief to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi by accepting their pleas for the annulment of their conviction in the iddat case, commonly referred to as the un-Islamic nikah case.
Additional Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka delivered the verdict on Saturday, announcing the acceptance of their pleas earlier reserved during the day.
The iddat case stemmed from allegations that Khan and Bushra’s nikah was fraudulent, raised by Bushra’s former husband, Khawar Maneka. In February this year, a trial court sentenced the couple to seven years in prison and imposed a fine of Rs500,000 each.
Following their conviction, Khan and Bushra challenged the verdict and also petitioned the Islamabad High Court (IHC) for relief. Despite gaining favorable outcomes in other legal battles, including cases related to financial references and a cipher case, Khan remained incarcerated due to the iddat case conviction.
The IHC recently directed the district court to expedite the decision on their appeals. On June 27, Judge Majoka rejected their petitions seeking the suspension of their sentence, citing insufficient grounds for suspension under Section 426 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
The decision prompted strong reactions from PTI leaders, who criticized the ruling as unjust and vowed to appeal the decision promptly.
Overview of the Iddat Case
The controversy surrounding the iddat case arose when petitioner Muhammad Hanif alleged that Bushra Bibi married Imran Khan before completing her iddat period, which is mandatory under Islamic law after a divorce or death of a spouse.
Initially, a district and sessions court in Islamabad dismissed the petition, stating it fell outside its jurisdiction. Subsequently, Khawar Maneka, Bushra’s ex-husband, filed a complaint against their marriage under Sections 34, 496, and 496-B of the Pakistan Penal Code.
After a lengthy legal process, the trial court indicted Khan and Bushra on January 16, 2024, following a detailed hearing. The court’s verdict on February 3 sentenced both to seven years in prison, citing evidence that the nikah was conducted fraudulently.
The couple pursued multiple appeals against their conviction, initially heard by District and Sessions Judge Shahrukh Arjumand, who later transferred the case to Judge Majoka following procedural challenges.
With the recent acquittal, Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi have gained legal reprieve in a case that has been closely watched and politically charged, marking a significant turn in their ongoing legal battles.
