An Islamabad court has acquitted former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in the iddat nikah case, issuing their release orders as well. Additional Sessions Judge Afzal Majoka accepted the appeals and delivered his reserved verdict, overturning the trial court’s decision.

Civil Judge Qudratullah had previously sentenced both Khan and Bushra Bibi to seven years in prison and imposed a fine of Rs 500,000 each. Judge Majoka had reserved judgment on the central appeals earlier that day.

Read more: Islamabad Court Upholds Convictions of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi in Iddat Case

The judge also granted release orders for the couple, while dismissing the medical board application from main complainant Khawar Maneka. Additionally, both prosecution applications were rejected. The court stated that if Khan is not needed in any other case, he should be released.

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Earlier in the day, the District and Sessions Court Islamabad reserved its decision on the central appeals regarding the sentences of PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in the iddat nikah case.

Additional Sessions Judge Afzal Majoka presided over the proceedings, which involved the appeals against the sentences for marrying during Bushra Bibi’s iddat period following her divorce from Khawar Maneka. Arguments were presented by Maneka’s lawyer, Zahid Asif, and Khan’s lawyer, Salman Akram Raja.

Maneka’s lawyer highlighted that during the trial, the defense claimed they needed to present witnesses. “If they wish to bring witnesses, we have no objections. The court can accept evidence at any time,” Asif stated. He also noted that Mufti Saeed did not confirm whether both parties followed Hanafi principles.

Salman Akram Raja, representing Imran Khan, argued that his client was unaware of the iddat requirement at the time of marriage, asserting that the entire responsibility was being placed on Bushra Bibi.