Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced its intention to appeal against a recent district and sessions court ruling that upheld the sentences of the party’s founder, Imran Khan, and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in a contentious legal matter.
In this regard, PTI’s Secretary General Omar Ayub Khan on Thursday criticized the court’s decision as “absolutely ridiculous” and accused the judicial process of being influenced by political agendas. “We will immediately take this verdict to the high court,” he declared outside the Islamabad court.
Ayub expressed his dismay at the politicization of personal matters and emphasized the party’s stance of not engaging in discussions with the government until Khan and other detained party leaders are released.
The decision by Additional Sessions Judge Afzal Majoka, which was made on Tuesday, rejected the couple’s request for suspension of their seven-year prison sentences. These sentences were handed down in February after they were convicted of engaging in a fraudulent marriage arrangement, based on allegations from Bushra’s former husband, Khawar Maneka.
The case against Khan and Bushra Bibi is scheduled for another hearing on July 2, where their primary plea for annulment of the conviction will be considered.
Imran Khan, who is currently held at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, had hoped for a release following a favourable judgement.
Despite being cleared in other legal matters, including the Toshakhana and cipher cases, and being granted bail related to disturbances on May 9, Khan remains incarcerated.
