Daily Times

The district and sessions court in Islamabad on Monday reserved its verdict on bail pleas of former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in seven cases.

Additional Sessions Judge Mohammad Afzal Magoo heard the case where legal representatives for both Khan and Bibi appeared in the court.

During the proceedings, Bushra Bibi also arrived in the courtroom. Lawyer Salman Safdar requested the court to issue a strict order for Khan’s appearance via video link.

While hearing the cases-six against Imran Khan and one against Bushra Bibi-Safdar informed the court that in the Toshakhana case, which involves allegations of fraudulent documentation, five accused, including Khan, Bushra Bibi, Farah, and Shahzad Akbar, are implicated. Only two accused have pending bail applications.

The prosecution claimed that the accused provided fake receipts. The judge questioned the prosecutor about the investigation conducted over the past year and a half, demanding evidence of where the alleged fake receipts were presented.

The prosecutor explained that the receipts had been submitted to the Election Commission. When asked by the judge if he had consulted the Election Commission, the prosecutor confirmed that they stated the receipts were presented to the Toshakhana.

Expressing frustration, the judge asked the prosecutor about the quality of the investigation, stating, “If I follow the law, who are you to file the case? Provide evidence of where the fake receipts were submitted.”

Lawyer Salman Safdar pointed out that the Election Commission had issued a three-year sentence but did not mention the receipt in question. The judge further warned the jail superintendent to ensure Khan’s appearance, stating that if he is not presented, the superintendent would face consequences.

Safdar argued that Khan should not be presented via video link due to technical issues, suggesting that the court could decide on Bushra Bibi’s case as she was present.

After listening to the arguments from both the lawyer and the prosecutor, along with the statement from the investigative officer, the court reserved its decision on the bail pleas of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi.

During the hearing, Bushra Bibi voiced her frustrations, stating, “I am not here to seek justice; I’ve kept my belongings in the car and am ready to go to jail whenever instructed.”

She further expressed that all lawyers, including her own (advocates from PTI), were merely wasting time and questioned, “Isn’t the person inside also human? Can no judge see this?”

Bushra Bibi took the position that she was a victim of judges sitting in the chair of justice for the last nine months. She then announced, “I will no longer come to this court; only injustices happen here.”

Separately, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday issued a notice to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s bail plea in the Toshakhana II case.

Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb presided over the case and sought response from the FIA. The court directed the FIA to submit its reply and adjourned the hearing indefinitely. Meanwhile, the registrar’s office will set the next hearing date.

Separately, Imran Khan, underwent a complete medical examination at Adiala Jail, with a four-member team of doctors concluding that his health was satisfactory.

The doctors’ team advised additional medical tests for PTI founder Imran Khan. The medical report will be prepared and submitted to the Islamabad High Court (IHC).