Islamabad High Court Halts Trial in Imran Khan’s Marriage Case

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) intervened in the trial against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan and his spouse Bushra Bibi. The court halted the recording of witness statements in the case concerning the couple’s alleged unIslamic marriage ceremony.

IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq issued these orders during the day’s hearing. Imran Khan, ousted as prime minister in April 2022, along with Bushra Bibi, refuted all accusations. The charges were initiated by Bushra’s former husband, Khawar Maneka, in November 2023.

At the hearing, Barrister Salman Akram Raja, representing Imran and Bushra, informed the court of the district judiciary’s assembly at Adiala Jail for witness testimony. After this, Justice Farooq sought case details and stopped the trial court from recording witness statements.

Raja argued that the nikah occurred 48 days post-divorce, while Islamic law generally mandates a 90-day iddat (waiting period). However, he cited Mufti Taqi Usmani’s clarification and a Supreme Court verdict on iddat.

Chief Justice Farooq questioned the petition’s basis in the absence of the Supreme Court ruling. Raja clarified he was contesting the summons issued to the couple.

The Chief Justice noted that nikah solemnized during iddat is typically regularized later, questioning the criminal aspect of an informal nikah.

The IHC notified Maneka and adjourned the case until January 25. Earlier, on January 15, a local court indicted Imran and Bushra for allegedly violating Islamic marriage laws, with Senior Civil Judge Qudratullah presiding over the session in Adiala Jail.