- Anti-corruption watchdog’s prosecutor says he disagreed with manner the trial and sentencing were conducted
- Special Court Islamabad dismisses acquittal Imran and Bushra Bibi’s pleas in Toshakhana 2.0 case
ISLAMABAD: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Thursday requested the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to nullify sentences handed down to former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife In the Toshakhana case and remand back the case for further proceedings.
The development came during Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Miangul Hasan Aurangzeb presided over the hearing on Thursday, reviewing appeals against the sentences.
NAB prosecutor, Amjad Pervez stated that he disagreed with the manner in which the trial and sentencing were conducted, admitting that he had already called for suspending the sentences.
Barrister Ali Zafar requested exemption for his clients from appearing in person, to which Justice Farooq responded, “Don’t worry, we’ll order it.” Pervez expressed no objection to the exemption request.
Barrister Zafar argued that the trial process was flawed, describing it as a “jail trial” with rushed proceedings that violated his clients’ rights. He highlighted that on January 29, the right to cross-examination was cut short, and Bushra Bibi’s statement was recorded late at night.
He noted that Khan’s statement was not recorded until January 31, and argued that the rushed process had compromised the defence.
Following Zafar’s arguments, Justice Farooq directed him to consult further with Imran Khan regarding the prosecutor’s remand request, warning, “If you oppose NAB’s proposal, we will rule on merit.”
Justice Aurangzeb added that if technical errors are ignored, the court could choose between ordering a retrial or addressing the case’s merits directly.
Zafar responded, asserting that the sentencing decision “cannot stand.” The court adjourned the hearing until November 21, instructing Zafar to present a clear stance on NAB’s proposal by then.
Imran, Bushra Bibi’s acquittal pleas dismissed in Toshakhana 2.0 case
A special court in Islamabad on Thursday dismissed acquittal pleas of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, in the Toshakhana 2.0 case. Special Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand announced the verdict, with formal charges expected to be framed on November 18.
Imran Khan attended the court proceedings, while Bushra Bibi was notably absent.
The hearing had previously been postponed to November 14 due to the judges’ unavailability on November 12, the original date set for the decision.
The Toshakhana 2.0 case centres on allegations that Khan, as the PTI founder, and Bushra Bibi retained state gifts without fulfilling legal obligations.
The court deferred the indictment to next week, with a final decision on charges anticipated.
