PTI condemns Iddat case verdict, vows to appeal in IHC

PTI leader Omar Ayub condemned decision and announced that party would challenge it

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced plans to challenge a district and sessions court's decision to reject the pleas seeking suspension of the sentences handed to party founder Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in the iddat case.

PTI Secretary General Omar Ayub Khan termed the verdict "absolutely ridiculous" and lamented the politicisation of private matters.

Speaking outside the court in Islamabad, Ayub stated, "We will challenge this verdict in the high court at once."

He expressed frustration over the use of personal issues for political purposes and reiterated that no talks with the government would take place unless Khan and other incarcerated leaders were freed.

The party's reaction follows Additional Sessions Judge Afzal Majoka's decision, which was reserved on Tuesday.

The central plea related to the annulment of Khan and Bushra's conviction is set for hearing on July 2.

In February, Khan and Bushra were each sentenced to seven years in prison after being found guilty of fraudulent nikah, following a complaint by Bushra's ex-husband, Khawar Maneka.

The couple was indicted in January, and after a lengthy hearing, the court delivered its verdict in early February.

Imran Khan, currently incarcerated at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, was expected to be released if the verdict had been in his favour. Khan has been acquitted in the Toshakhana and cipher cases and granted bail in cases related to the May 9 incidents.