The trial court has delivered a seven-year sentence and a fine of Rs500,000 each to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in the “un-Islamic nikah” case at Adiala jail. The verdict was pronounced by Senior Civil Judge Qudratullah, a day after a 14-hour hearing within the jail premises.
Both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were present in the courtroom when the verdict was announced. The court had reserved its decision after the completion of arguments the previous day.
The case revolves around a plea filed by Bushra Bibi’s ex-husband, Khawar Maneka, who deems their nikah as un-Islamic and illegal. The cross-examination of statements from four witnesses has been completed, and the statements of Khan and Bushra under section 342 have also been recorded.
Also Read: Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi Receive 14-Year Sentence in Toshakhana Case
Bushra Bibi, held at Banigala with sub-jail status, will be brought to Adiala for the final hearing, where the verdict will be announced in the presence of the PTI founder, Bushra Bibi, and their lawyers.
The complainant’s counsel, Raja Rizwan Abbasi, along with Khan’s lawyer Salman Akram Raja and Bushra Bibi’s lawyer Usman Gul, presented their final arguments the previous day.
In his petition, Maneka termed the nikah between Bushra and Khan as “fraudulent,” contending that it occurred during her iddat, following her divorce with him. He accused the former prime minister of disrupting his life, alleging that Khan stigmatized him and his family to achieve unethical and immoral objectives through intrusion into his peaceful marital life. Maneka prayed to the court for the summoning and strict punishment of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi in accordance with the law in the interest of justice.
