During the hearing on the appeals against the sentence of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi in Duran-i-Idt Nikah case, Khawar Manika’s lawyer requested to adjourn the proceedings without hearing.
Additional Sessions Judge Afzal Majuka is hearing the appeals in the Iddat Nikah case in the District and Sessions Court of Islamabad. On this occasion, founder PTI’s lawyer Salman Akram Raja, Bushra Bibi’s lawyer Usman Gill and Khawar Manika’s lawyer Zahid Asif appeared in the court.
At the beginning of the hearing, Khawar Manika’s lawyer Zahid Asif pleaded for adjournment of the proceedings without hearing. On which Judge Afzal Majoka told the lawyer that the hearing of this case cannot be postponed, there is a hearing on the central appeals on June 25, till then the arguments must be finalized.
Judge Afzal Majoka asked the lawyers of PTI founder and Bushra Bibi to answer my 2 questions, to satisfy me on suspension of sentence. On which Imran Khan’s lawyer Salman Akram Raja said that I will present arguments on the appeals today, the lawyer should take note.
Salman Akram Raja gave arguments and said that there is no difference between the parties in getting divorce on 14 November 2017. We are of the view that Bushra Bibi was divorced in April 2017, she completed her Idda and remarried. Since we are not allowed to testify, we say start from November 14.
He said that the law has to be seen according to Sharia principles. After the introduction of Section 2 of the Family Law and the formation of the Shariat Appellate Bench, every case has to be looked at in Shari’a and Fiqh. Five years and eleven months later, the complaint was filed, coming back from Chale came up with the idea.
Later, Khawar Manika’s lawyer again pleaded for adjournment of the hearing saying that I cannot present arguments today. On this, lawyer Salman Akram Raja said that the court should follow the decision that came later from the Supreme Court. After the constitutional amendment of 1985, the situation has changed.
Bushra Bibi’s lawyer Usman Gill said that I have to go to Adiala Jail, I will give arguments on Monday, Salman Akram Raja will give arguments today. Judge Afzal Majoka while giving remarks said that it is not possible to hold the hearing on Monday, he will hold the hearing on Tuesday.
