The Islamabad High Court (IHC) ordered expedited scheduling for the appeals of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his spouse, Bushra Bibi, seeking to overturn their sentences in the £190 million corruption case. During Thursday’s proceedings, a two-judge panel, led by Chief Justice Sardar Sarfraz Dogar, addressed a request for an urgent hearing.
The petitioners’ lawyer, Salman Safdar, contended that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had repeatedly stalled the proceedings, initially citing the lack of assigned prosecutors and later requesting adjournments. Chief Justice Dogar dismissed these justifications as “old matters.” Safdar emphasized the repeated delays, noting the case had been adjourned five times.
The lawyer clarified that the current applications pertained to expediting the main appeals. He highlighted Bushra Bibi’s deteriorating health, although he hadn’t formally invoked medical grounds. Safdar pointed out that both petitioners had secured acquittals or bail in other cases, underscoring the eight-month pendency of this sentencing appeal. He pleaded for an expedited hearing, ideally the following week, particularly given Bibi’s condition.
Safdar stressed the urgency, warning that without a prompt hearing date, the appeal process could be significantly drawn out. Chief Justice Dogar assured him that the court would consult with the Registrar’s Office to determine an early hearing date and subsequently directed the office to schedule the appeals accordingly.