A division bench of the Islamabad High Court (IHC), consisting of Chief Justice Sardar Mohammad Sarfaraz Dogar and Justice Mohammad Azam Khan, approved a plea for an expedited hearing on the couple’s sentence suspension applications.
Barrister Salman Safdar, counsel for Imran Khan, argued that the petitions had not been scheduled for a hearing despite five dates being set, citing repeated delays from the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). “Sometimes the Bureau does not appoint a prosecutor and sometimes it seeks more time,” the barrister stated.
He emphasized that while neither Imran Khan nor his wife had ever sought relief on medical grounds, his wife is currently unwell. Noting that the couple had been acquitted or granted bail in all other cases, he requested an immediate decision on the applications “to meet the requirements of justice.”
Chief Justice Dogar assured that the court had already directed its office to schedule the case and would request a progress report. The bench then ordered that the suspension petitions be listed for an early hearing.
Fresh Reports on All Cases Ordered
In a separate proceeding, Justice Mohammad Azam Khan heard petitions filed by Imran Khan seeking a complete list of all cases against him.
Barrister Salman Safdar informed the court that 127 cases had been filed against his client over the last two years, but there was a lack of clarity on their status. He requested the formation of a larger bench, citing precedents in politically sensitive cases.
He argued that “NAB and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) continue to issue notices even after this petition was filed two years ago. Instead of any improvement, the number of cases has increased.” He labeled these actions as “politically motivated” and unconstitutional.
NAB’s Special Prosecutor Rafay Maqsood opposed the request for a larger bench, stating there was “no basis” for such an order since the bureau keeps a complete record and can provide it to the court.
Justice Azam Khan said a decision on forming a larger bench would be made after the authorities submit their reports. He directed NAB, the FIA, and the police to file fresh reports on all pending cases against Mr. Khan and adjourned the matter indefinitely.
