Illegal marriage case: Notice issued to Manika on Imran’s appeal

Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Friday prevented the trial court from recording the statements of witnesses in the illgel marriage case of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi while issuing notice to her ex-husband Khawar Manika on the petition of PTI founder.

According to the details, Chief Justice IHC Aamer Farooq heard the petition against marriage of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi during Iddat.

During the hearing, PTI founder and Bushra Bibi's lawyer Salman Akram Raja appeared in the court, who said that the entire District Judiciary is present in Adiala Jail, today they have to record the statements of the witnesses.

Chief Justice Aamer Farooq asked that he can prevent the recording of the statements of the witnesses, but first tell what the case is.

Lawyer Salman Akram replied that if their statement is to be accepted, the marriage took place after 48 days of divorce.

The court asked the duration of Idda in general. Lawyer Salman answered that generally there is a period of 90 days but Mr. Taqi Usmani explained it. There is a decision of Supreme Court regarding the period of Iddat.

Chief Justice Aamr inquired what have they challenged in this petition, supposing there is no decision of the Supreme Court in this regard.

The PTI lawyer replied: “We have challenged the summons issued to PTI founder and Bushra Bibi”.

Chief Justice Farooq asked that according to the law, if the marriage takes place during iddat, then it is regularized later, even if it is not regularized, then what is the crime in it.

The Islamabad High Court restrained the trial court from recording the statements of witnesses in the Nikah case and issued a notice to Khawar Manika following the plea of PTI founder.