RAWALPINDI: A trial court deferred the indictment of former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi till Tuesday (today) in the Iddat case while the Islamabad High Court (IHC) reserved its order on a petition seeking to stay trial proceedings in the case.

       Senior civil judge Qudratullah was expected to indict the couple on Monday, but did not do so since Bushra Bibi was not present.

       The proceedings were conducted at Adiala Jail.

       The prosecutor opposed the defence counsel’s request for approval of Bushra Bibi’s plea seeking exemption from personal appearance because the previous application seeking the same relief was filed without annexing medical reports and no supporting document was attached with the current petition.

       The prosecutor called for issuance of warrants against the former first lady. At this, Mr Khan said he did not know the reason for Bushra Bibi’s absence since he was not in touch with her.

       He asked the judge to direct the jail authorities to give him phone access so he could ensure her presence.

       The court issued a directive for ensuring Bushra Bibi’s presence and adjourned the hearing till Tuesday for framing of a charge.

       At the IHC hearing, Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri reserved his decision on a plea for issuance of a stay order against a possible indictment of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi.

       The petition against the indictment was filed by Bushra Bibi through her counsel, Barrister Salman Akram Raja. Mr Raja argued that the complaint was filed against Mr Khan and Ms Bibi with “mala fide intent”.

       Published in Dawn, January 16th, 2024