Justice – Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi Seek Early Hearing in Appeals
Justice – Former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi have moved the Islamabad High Court, urging it to expedite the hearing of their pending appeals. The couple is challenging their conviction in the Toshakhana case and also seeking relief in the 190 million-pound corruption matter.
Appeal Filed Citing Delays in Proceedings
In their latest petition, submitted on Friday, the applicants argued that their cases have faced unusual delays. They claimed that the prosecution has used delaying tactics, slowing down the judicial process. The request for early hearings comes shortly after a court session on March 31 was postponed, when the defence team asked for additional time to consult their clients.
The couple’s legal team has approached the court under relevant criminal procedure provisions, requesting urgent listing of their appeals. They have also asked the court to ensure that prison authorities allow them uninterrupted access to legal counsel so that their defence can be properly prepared.
Challenge to Earlier Court Judgment
The appeals specifically question a January 2024 decision by an accountability court, which sentenced Imran Khan to 14 years in prison. Although the high court later suspended this sentence in April 2024, the new plea argues that the original judgment was flawed.
According to the petition, the trial court did not adequately examine the evidence and failed to apply proper judicial reasoning. The legal team contends that key material was either overlooked or incorrectly interpreted, raising concerns about the fairness of the decision.
Health Concerns Raised in Petition
The application also draws attention to Imran Khan’s health condition. His lawyers informed the court that he is suffering from a serious eye issue known as right central retinal vein occlusion. They stated that the required medical treatment is not available within the prison facility where he is currently held.
The petition emphasizes that his health has been a matter of concern for several months, and continued incarceration without proper medical care could worsen his condition.
Arguments Presented for Bushra Bibi
Bushra Bibi’s legal position has also been highlighted separately. Her lawyers described her as a private individual who has never held any public office. They argued that her involvement in the case is linked only to her marital relationship with Imran Khan.
Her legal team has requested a decision on her pending plea regarding suspension of sentence in the Al-Qadir Trust case, which they say has remained unresolved for more than ten months. The petition further notes that she has already completed over a year of her seven-year sentence, making her eligible for certain legal concessions available to female prisoners.
Concerns Over Access to Legal Counsel
A major issue raised in the petitions relates to restricted access to legal representation. The applicants claim that prison authorities have not allowed regular meetings with their lawyers, which they argue violates constitutional rights, including the right to a fair trial.
One of the lead lawyers stated in a separate filing that he has been unable to meet his clients for nearly three months. This lack of communication, the legal team argues, has made it difficult to obtain updated instructions necessary for pursuing the appeals effectively.
Call for Swift Judicial Action
The defence team has urged the court to ensure that the cases are heard without further delay. They stressed that timely justice is essential not only for fairness but also for maintaining public confidence in the legal system.
According to the petition, continued delays could result in irreversible consequences for the applicants. The lawyers have requested the court to intervene and ensure that the appeals are decided promptly and transparently.