ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court adjourned for 10 days the appeals of former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, against their convictions in the £190 million corruption case, while ordering authorities to facilitate meetings with their lawyers.
The proceedings focused on restricted legal access, missing case documents and concerns raised by the defence about the couple’s health. Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar, heading a division bench, stressed that arguments on the appeals should begin.
Advocate Sardar Latif Khan Khosa informed the bench that he had been unable to meet Imran. The court directed Islamabad Advocate General Naveed Hayat Malik to arrange a meeting lasting at least one hour.
The bench also permitted Barrister Salman Safdar to meet both appellants before the next hearing.
Justice Dogar recalled an earlier undertaking that the defence would proceed with arguments without seeking another adjournment. Safdar responded that Khosa had furnished that undertaking and should explain his position.
Safdar said the appeals involved approximately 3,500 pages and testimony from 35 witnesses, requiring detailed preparation. He told the court that the paper books had not yet been provided.
He also maintained that a recent meeting lasting around 40 minutes had been insufficient to discuss the cases properly.
The court directed authorities to prepare the paper books and make them available before proceedings resume.
Safdar expressed concern about Bushra’s eyesight and requested specialist treatment from a doctor of her choice. He also sought two weeks’ bail to enable her to obtain medical care.
The advocate general maintained that she was receiving appropriate treatment.
Justice Dogar observed that the issue concerning her medical treatment was pending before the Federal Constitutional Court.
Safdar separately told the bench that Imran’s blood pressure remained unstable, although his eyesight had improved somewhat.
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The appeals challenge an accountability court’s January 17, 2025 verdict sentencing Imran to 14 years and Bushra to seven years.
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The case concerns allegations by the National Accountability Bureau that the couple received financial benefits and land linked to the handling of funds returned by British authorities. Both subsequently approached the IHC to challenge their convictions through the appeals process.
