An Islamabad court did not announce its decision in the iddat case against former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi. The verdict was expected today, but District and Sessions Judge Shahrukh Arjumand asked for the case to be transferred to another court.

Attack Outside Court

Outside the court, Khawar Maneka, the complainant and Bushra Bibi’s former husband, was attacked. A video showed men, who looked like lawyers, pushing him. Maneka fell, and people had to pull the attackers off him.

Case Background

The court had reserved its decision last week on the appeals filed by Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi against their conviction in the iddat case. This case was one of three verdicts announced just before the general elections.

Judge’s Recusal Request

Earlier this month, Maneka asked Judge Arjumand to step down from the case, accusing him of bias towards the PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) party. Maneka said he did not trust the judge to be fair.

Past Sentences

On February 3, an Islamabad court sentenced Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi to seven years in jail for getting married during Bushra Bibi’s iddat period. This sentence came in the same week as other sentences for Imran Khan in the Toshakhana and cipher cases.

Public Reaction

The verdicts have been criticized by civil society, women activists, and lawyers. They see these decisions as an attack on women’s right to dignity and privacy.

Further Developments

Imran Khan plans to file complaints against the judges involved in his cases. Judge Arjumand wrote to the Islamabad High Court, stating that Maneka showed mistrust in him, and requested the case be transferred.

Media Statement

Outside the court, PTI leaders, including Gohar Ali Khan, criticized the judge’s decision to transfer the case. They claimed it was unjust and against fundamental rights.

Court Proceedings

During the hearing, there were heated exchanges between Maneka and PTI lawyers. Maneka alleged bias and criticized Imran Khan, leading to loud arguments and slogans in the court.

Legal Details

Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were found guilty of fraudulently going through a marriage ceremony without lawful marriage. If they fail to pay fines, their jail term will extend by four months. The Islamabad High Court had earlier stopped proceedings and dropped some charges against the couple.

Conclusion

The court’s decision on transferring the case is pending, and the controversy around the verdict continues.