Verdict reserved on Imran, Bushra's bail pleas in multiple cases

Five accused, including Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, are implicated; only two have pending bail applications.

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The district and sessions court in Islamabad on Monday reserved its verdict on bail pleas of former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in seven cases.

Additional Sessions Judge Mohammad Afzal Magoo heard the case where legal representatives for both Khan and Bibi appeared in the court, Express News reported.

During the proceedings, Bushra Bibi also arrived in the courtroom. Lawyer Salman Safdar requested the court to issue a strict order for Khan's appearance via video link.

While hearing the cases—six against Imran Khan and one against Bushra Bibi—Safdar informed the court that in the Toshakhana case, which involves allegations of fraudulent documentation, five accused, including Khan, Bushra Bibi, Farah, and Shahzad Akbar, are implicated. Only two accused have pending bail applications.

The prosecution claimed that the accused provided fake receipts. The judge questioned the prosecutor about the investigation conducted over the past year and a half, demanding evidence of where the alleged fake receipts were presented.

The prosecutor explained that the receipts had been submitted to the Election Commission. When asked by the judge if he had consulted the Election Commission, the prosecutor confirmed that they stated the receipts were presented to the Toshakhana.

Expressing frustration, the judge asked the prosecutor about the quality of the investigation, stating, "If I follow the law, who are you to file the case? Provide evidence of where the fake receipts were submitted."

Lawyer Salman Safdar pointed out that the Election Commission had issued a three-year sentence but did not mention the receipt in question. The judge further warned the jail superintendent to ensure Khan's appearance, stating that if he is not presented, the superintendent would face consequences.

Safdar argued that Khan should not be presented via video link due to technical issues, suggesting that the court could decide on Bushra Bibi’s case as she was present.

After listening to the arguments from both the lawyer and the prosecutor, along with the statement from the investigative officer, the court reserved its decision on the bail pleas of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi.

It is noteworthy that cases against both individuals were registered in 2023 at various police stations, including Kohsar, Ramna, Tarnol, Karachi Company, and Secretariat.