Imran Khan Toshakhana Case: IHC Removes Objections, Sets 7-Day Deadline
Imran Khan and Wife Bushra Bibi Secure Appeal Hearing in Toshakhana Case
Islamabad – The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday removed all objections to appeals filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in the Toshakhana case. The court has directed that the appeals be formally numbered and scheduled for a hearing, marking a significant development in the high-profile legal battle.
The decision came during a hearing presided over by Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro. Barristers Salman Safdar and Salman Akram Raja represented the former prime minister and his wife, while Imran Khan’s three sisters were also present in the courtroom.
Barrister Salman Safdar expressed relief at the court’s decision, stating, “You are seeing us in court for the first time; do not let us leave empty-handed.” Justice Soomro responded, “Both your applications have been approved; you will not leave empty-handed.”
The appeals challenge the December 20th, 2023, special court sentencing of both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi to 17 years in prison each. The case revolves around allegations that the couple unlawfully retained a Bulgari jewellery set gifted by the Saudi Crown Prince during an official visit to Saudi Arabia.
During the hearing, Barrister Safdar detailed previous objections raised by the Registrar’s office, stating, “The Registrar’s office had raised objections on our appeal. We were unaware of those objections. When we filed the suspension requests, we found there were objections. Objections were raised on the appeals that were baseless. The Registrar’s office objected that the power of attorney was outdated; later, they withdrew the objection and accepted it. The office also objected that the pages were not flagged and the order was not arranged correctly.”
Justice Soomro acknowledged the remaining objections and, in a lighthearted exchange, indicated that Barrister Safdar could address the issue of unflagged pages. The court then granted seven days for all remaining objections to be removed.
Barrister Safdar expressed hope that the process would now be smoother, stating, “We faced many difficulties earlier and hope the process will now become easier. The Registrar’s office has caused confusion.”
The IHC accepted two miscellaneous applications submitted by Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi. One application sought the removal of objections to the main appeal, while the other requested an extension of time to address those objections. Justice Soomro assured the legal team that both applications had been approved.
The removal of these objections represents a crucial step forward in the legal proceedings, allowing the appeals to move towards a substantive hearing. The Toshakhana case has been a central point of contention in Pakistani politics, and the outcome of these appeals will undoubtedly have significant implications.