IHC reserves decision on petitions to dismiss illegal marriage case

Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Wednesday reserved its decision on the petitions to dismiss the illegal marriage case filed against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi.

According to the details, Chief Justice Aamer Farooq of IHC heard the petitions to dismiss the illegal marriage case between Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, in which Imran's lawyer Salman Akram Raja gave arguments.

During the hearing, Salman Akram Raja read the statements of the petitioner and witnesses, saying that the case was filed to humiliate the petitioners, notices were issued for political purposes and to create a scandal.

Justice Aamer Farooq asked when the first complaint was filed on this matter. Salman Akram replied that the complaint was filed in November 2023 which is five years and 11 months later the marriage.

The court said that it is Khawar Manika's case that he divorced Bushra Bibi on November 14. If the marriage with Imran Khan took place on January 1, there are 48 days in between.

On this occasion, Manika's lawyer Rizwan Abbasi stated that according to Shariah, the period of Iddat— specified period after divorce that a woman goes through till next marriage—is 90 days. If the first marriage was valid, then why did the second Nikkah take place. The witnesses testified in the trial court that they were present at the time of second Nikkah as well.

The judge said that if the trial is to be conducted tomorrow, then how will it be proved whether the difference was of 39 days or 90 days. On this, Manika's lawyer replied that the husband and the prosecution will prove it.

The court asked which husband, the first or the second. Rizwan Abbasi responded that the one with whom she lived for 28 years will tell. The court said that suppose you have proved it, then what will be the offense in it.

Rizwan Abbasi said that if the marriage was declared irregular, then it would be against the law. They say that Khawar Manika verbally divorced her in April 2017. However, he has their photos of trip to northern areas in August.

Later, after hearing the arguments of the parties, the court reserved its decision on the petitions.