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ISLAMABAD:
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has granted a final deadline of May 20 to counsel of former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi to present arguments in the £190 million case appeals, warning against further delays.
In a written order issued by a division bench comprising IHC Chief Justice Sardar Muhammed Sarfraz Dogar and Justice Muhammad Asif, the court expressed concern over repeated adjournments and lack of progress in the case.
According to the order, counsel Salman Safdar requested a postponement to seek further instructions from his clients but NABthe prosecution in the caseopposed the request.
The bench observed that during the previous hearing, all parties had been directed to ensure their presence and proceed with arguments.
Despite this, the court said, the counsel sought adjournment on what it described as weak grounds instead of advancing arguments. The order further noted that Salman Safdar himself filed the main appeals, making it imperative for him to proceed without delay.
Emphasizing the sensitivity and importance of the case, the court granted what it termed a “last and final opportunity” to present arguments. The judges expressed hope that the parties would not deliberately remain absent or seek unnecessary adjournments in future proceedings.
Directing the counsel to take all necessary steps, the court instructed that arguments must be presented at the next hearing on May 20.
In January last year, an accountability court in Islamabad convicted Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi in the £190 million case, sentencing Imran to 14 years in prison and his wife to a seven-year jail term.
Both the PTI founder and his spouse later challenged the verdict in the IHC.
On April 4, Salman Safdar moved an application in the IHC, seeking its order for Adiala Jail authorities to allow him meet his jailed clients to discuss legal matters related to the £190 million case.
On April 8, the bench led by CJ Dogar ordered that Barrister Salman Safdar be allowed to meet Imran Khan in connection with the £190 million case.
