The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed a trial court to reconsider the acquittal plea of former prime minister Imran Khan in the £190 million case. The IHC’s division bench, comprising Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb, heard Imran’s appeal against the Islamabad Accountability Court-I’s dismissal of his acquittal request.
Imran’s counsel, Zaheer Abbas, argued that the acquittal plea was filed on the grounds that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) failed to establish that the federal cabinet’s decision regarding the £190 million during Imran’s tenure was made for personal gain. Abbas further contended that the federal cabinet enjoys immunity from NAB action unless its decisions are aimed at benefiting someone’s personal interests.
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Justice Farooq remarked that the accountability court had not provided any reasons for its decision to reject the acquittal plea, noting that the ruling lacked substantive findings. The bench decided to send the case back to the accountability court for reconsideration, instructing it to issue a decision with detailed reasons.
Imran’s lawyer also requested that the accountability court be directed to make a decision within two weeks. Meanwhile, the NAB prosecutor highlighted that the accountability court has not yet ruled on the acquittal application of Bushra Bibi, Imran Khan’s wife. The PTI’s lawyer responded by emphasizing that Bushra Bibi has never held a public office and that 35 witnesses have provided no evidence against her. The court indicated that it would issue instructions regarding her application as well.
