ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s local court on Wednesday acquitted former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder, Imran Khan, who is currently incarcerated in the Adiala Jail, along with several other prominent party leaders in a case registered at Aabpara police station.
The District and Sessions Court judge Yasir Mehmood announced the reserved verdict, clearing Imran Khan alongside senior PTI leaders Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Sheikh Rashid, Shehryar Afridi, Faisal Javed, Raja Khurram Nawaz, Ali Nawaz Awan, and Asad Qaiser.
The acquittal came after the defence, represented by Advocate Sardar Masroof and Ansar Kiani, presented their arguments on behalf of accused Imran Khan, who is also the founder chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.
The case was originally filed following a protest against the electoral body’s verdict that disqualified Imran Khan from holding office for a period of five years following the Toshakhana case verdict.
A PTI spokesperson expressed relief outside the court, reaffirming the party’s commitment to respecting Pakistan’s judiciary and legal system. “Today’s verdict upholds our leaders’ claim of innocence,” the spokesperson remarked.
Meanwhile, the Islamabad District and Sessions Court has indicated that it might conclude the case concerning the nikah during iddat involving Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi by July 8.
Additional Sessions Judge Afzal Majoka heard the appeals filed by the couple against their sentences in the Iddat Case.
During the proceedings, Imran Khan’s lawyer, Salman Akram Raja, cited Supreme Court protections for women during iddat, emphasizing its purpose for potential reconciliation rather than being wielded against women. Raja also questioned Mufti Saeed’s statements, pointing out inconsistencies in his testimony regarding the iddat period.
