Pakistan

Imran appeals three convicts in IHC today

Bushra Bibi's conviction in Iddat case will also be challenged in court

Hasnaat Malik February 16, 2024

Former prime minister Imran Khan arrives for hearing in an anti-terrorism court (ATC) on August 25, 2022, in Islamabad. PHOTO: APP

ISLAMABAD:

PTI founder Imran Khan will challenge his convictions awarded to him in three cases in the Islamabad High Court today.

It is learnt that Salman Safdar has drafted appeals against the convictions awarded in the cypher, Toshakhana and Iddat cases before 2024 general elections. Ali Zafar is also part of the legal team.

Bushra Bibi's conviction in Iddat case will also be challenged in the IHC. Trials in the cases were conducted in Adiala jail. PTI lawyers are questioning on the fairness of these trials.

Interestingly, Sardar Latif Khosa will not represent both Imran Khan or Bushra Bibi in these cases. The composition of the division bench will be important to decide the fate of Imran Khan's appeals against his convictions.

Firstly, the high court will take up Imran’s plea regarding suspension of his convictions and grant him bail. Both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi have already expressed mistrust on Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Aamer Farooq. They requested to transfer their cases from IHC CJ's bench.

Earlier, a three-judge bench led by Justice Sardar Tariq Masood had disregarded IHC findings and granted bail to Imran Khan in cipher case.

The superior judiciary is on trial since Panama case. The judges could not end the perception that convictions are awarded to political leaders at the time wherein their relationship are tense with powerful circles. Same was witnessed in Panama case. Sharif family faced tough time in the courts since 2017.

Also read: Public’s poll participation reflects confidence in Imran: PTI

Now their relationship with establishment is cordial, all Nawaz Sharif's convictions are set aside and his lifetime disqualification has also ended by SC.

Before the 2024 elections, Imran Khan could not get relief from superior courts. Now debate has started as whether judiciary will give relief to him after elections results.

The Supreme Court and the Islamabad High Court are important for PTI in coming days. Now elections disputes are being adjudicated in IHC. The PTI has yet to decide it's strategy about allocation of reserved seats. It is learnt that Imran Khan will take final decision today (Friday).