The Islamabad District and Sessions Court has hinted at wrapping up the nikah during iddat case against former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi by July 8.
Additional Sessions Judge Afzal Majoka heard the central appeals filed by the couple against their sentences in the case.
During the hearing, the PTI founder's lawyer, Salman Akram Raja, argued that the Supreme Court has provided protection to women regarding iddat, emphasizing that the period of 90 days after a divorce should be viewed as a period meant for a chance at reconciliation between a couple, not a tool against women.
Raja also questioned the statements made by Mufti Saeed, pointing out discrepancies in his testimony. "Mufti Saeed also said that a woman's word is final regarding iddat, but then gave a false statement in the court," he said further.
Also Read: What is Imran-Bushra nikah case?
He further contended that Bushra Bibi's former husband Khawar Maneka made a false statement before the court and used the word ex-wife for her in his video statement. Raja also argued that Mufti Saeed told the trial court he did not know the witnesses, while Aon Chaudhry was standing next to him.
"If we put the entire record in front of us, it is clear that political cases have been made against Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi," he stressed.
Meanwhile, Khawar Maneka's lawyer requested an adjournment until July 5 due to a prior commitment in the high court.
The court granted the request and directed Raja and Barrister Salman Safdar to complete their arguments by the day after tomorrow. Additionally, Maneka's legal team was instructed to present their arguments on either July 4 or 8. The court announced that it intended to conclude the case by July 8.
Also Read: Court rejects Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi's appeals in iddat nikah case
Last week, the court rejected the appeals of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi against their conviction in the iddat nikah case. Judge Afzal Majoka rejected the appeals for suspension of sentence in a reserved decision he pronounced.
After the rejection of their appeals, the sentence of the couple remains in place. The PTI has announced to challenge the decision in the Islamabad High Court instantly.
The judge released a 10-page written order, maintaining that both the accused had no justification for suspension of their sentence. "Bushra Bibi being a woman is not a justification for suspension of sentence and her release on bail," it further stated.
