Imran’s lawyers have sought suspension of his sentence on medical grounds, requesting his release on bail
Former first lady Bushra Bibi (L) and former prime minister Imran Khan (R). Photo: File
ISLAMABAD:
The Islamabad High Court has ordered that petitions seeking suspension of sentences of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in the £190 million case be fixed for hearing on March 11. Lawyers for Imran have requested the court to suspend his sentence on medical grounds and grant him bail.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar and Justice Muhammad Azam Khan heard miscellaneous applications seeking an early hearing of the sentence suspension pleas. Barrister Salman Safdar appeared before the court on behalf of Khan.
During the hearing, the chief justice expressed displeasure when a large number of PTI-affiliated lawyers approached the rostrum, questioning whether they were attempting to influence the court.
Safdar argued that Imran was suffering from an eye condition and was being taken to hospital for treatment. He clarified that he was not seeking an immediate hearing of the main appeal but noted that the applications for suspension of sentence had remained pending for nearly a year.
He further told the court that the registrar’s office had not fixed the applications for early hearing despite five miscellaneous petitions being filed, and urged the bench to schedule the case at the earliest. He also pointed out that Bushra’s petition had similarly been pending for a year.
Accepting the request for an early hearing, the court directed that the sentence suspension petitions of Imran and Bushra be scheduled for hearing on March 11.
