IHC throws out plea against Judge Rana

The Islamabad High Court (HC) has dismissed as non-maintainable a petition filed against Judge Nasir Javed Rana, who delivered the verdict in the £190 million National Accountability Bureau (NAB) reference against PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi.

IHC Chief Justice Sardar Sarfraz Dogar issued the decision on the petition, seeking suspension of the appointment of Rana as a district and sessions judge.

The petitioner — Osama Riaz Raahi — had sought relief based on a 2004 Supreme Court observation. After hearing preliminary arguments, the IHC had reserved its decision. The court dismissed the petition on Friday, ruling it non-maintainable.

Judge Nasir Javed Rana, who presided over an accountability court in Islamabad earlier this year, sentenced former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in the £190m corruption case.

In his arguments, Advocate Rahi had noted that the Supreme Court in its decision dated October 19, 2004, declared Nasir Javed Rana unfit for judicial service. He contended that in view of the order, the IHC should declare his appointment as a judge illegal.

The counsel stated that the matter was related to the case of late Habib-ul-Wahab-ul-Khairi and had he been alive, he would have certainly pursued this decision.

The petitioner maintained that Nasir Javed Rana should be barred from performing his duties, and the notification of his appointment should be declared null and void.

It further stated that if the petition was decided after his retirement, all benefits and privileges obtained after December 14, 2022, should be withdrawn, and he should not be considered entitled to any pension or other benefits.