Suspension of sentence: IHC defers hearing of pleas of IK, Bushra

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) deferred the hearing of petitions filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his spouse Bushra Bibi after their counsel sought time to consult with his clients.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar and Justice Muhammad Asif on Tuesday heard Imran and Bushra’s appeals seeking suspension of their sentences in the £190 million Al-Qadir Trust graft case.

During the hearing, Barrister Salman Safdar appeared on behalf of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, while National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Special Prosecutor Javed Ashraf and prosecutor Rafay Maqsood were also present. The hearing was also attended by the PTI founder’s sisters, Aleema Khanum, Uzma Khan, and Noreen Niazi.

At the outset of the hearing, the NAB prosecutor argued that two separate applications for suspension of sentence had already been filed, stressing that such pleas could not be heard without issuance of notice in the main appeals, particularly after recent amendments to the NAB law.

He urged the court to proceed with the arguments on the appeals if the defence counsel was ready. Barrister Safdar responded that his clients were convicted on Jan 17, 2025, and despite the passage of over a year, the prosecution had repeatedly sought adjournments. He maintained that defence had remained present throughout and pressed for suspension of sentence and release on bail, also citing medical grounds.

The bench, however, questioned whether the defense could proceed with arguments on the main appeals against the conviction, even suggesting allocation of two hearing days per week.

Safdar replied that he had not been able to meet or obtain instructions from Imran and Bushra Bibi for the past five months, making it difficult to proceed on the appeals at this stage, he added.

Justice Dogar observed that if the appeals were fixed for hearing, the suspension of sentence applications might not be taken up separately. Safdar reiterated that he could not advance arguments without consulting his clients and sought time for that purpose.

The NAB prosecutor countered that while bail matters are brief, appeals require detailed arguments and questioned the defence’s reluctance to proceed if the case was indeed straightforward.

After hearing both sides, the bench allowed Salman Safdar some time to consul the clients and deferred the hearing until April 6 for further proceedings.

An accountability court in Islamabad on Jan 17, 2025, had sentenced Imran and Bushra Bibi to 14 and seven years in prison, respectively.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026