Verdict reserved in ‘unlawful’ marriage case against Imran, Bushra

The verdict in the 'un-Islamic' marriage case involving former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi has been reserved by the court after a lengthy 14-hour hearing concluded on Friday night.

The case, filed by Bushra Bibi's first husband, Khawar Maneka, alleges that Bushra violated the Islamic practice of observing the mandatory pause, or Iddat, between two marriages. Furthermore, Maneka accused his ex-wife and Khan of having an adulterous relationship before their marriage.

The court, presided over by Islamabad’s Senior Civil Judge Qudratullah, conducted the hearing in Adiala Jail. The verdict is scheduled to be announced on Saturday (tomorrow) at 1pm.

The cross-examination of the four prosecution witnesses, including Maneka, Aun Chaudhry, Nikah Khawan Mufti Saeed, and Maneka’s employee Latif, has been completed. The defence was led by Advocate Salman Akram Raja for Khan and Advocate Osman Riaz Gul for Bushra.

Also read: Imran, Bushra's 'illicit relations' began in 2014 sit-in: Maneka

Khan and Bushra submitted a joint statement of 342, answering 13 questions. In her statement, Bushra declared the divorce certificate of November 14, 2017, as fabricated, claiming she completed her mandatory iddat period from April to August 2017 after receiving a verbal triple talaq from Maneka in April 2017.

The court rejected the defence's request to produce additional witnesses. A plea of acquittal under Section 249-A and jurisdictional pleas under Section 179 were also rejected.

During yesterday’s hearing, Maneka made serious accusations against Khan, claiming the illicit relationship began during the 2014 sit-in and accusing Khan of ruining his family. Tensions escalated, leading to a courtroom quarrel where physical threats were allegedly made. Khan challenged Maneka to take an oath on the Holy Quran.

In a dramatic turn of events, Maneka spoke to reporters, revealing the impact on his family, stating that one daughter faced divorce, and one son entered a rehabilitation center due to the alleged affair.

Bushra Bibi, speaking for the first time in Adiala Jail, portrayed herself as a victim of a plot to humiliate her. She vowed not to succumb to pressure, labeled the accusations as an attempt to weaken Khan and the PTI, and emphasised her determination to stand firm.