IHC gives final deadline of May 20 for arguments in £190 million case appeals

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court has set May 20 as the final date for arguments in the appeals filed by former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in the £190 million case, while cautioning against any further delay in the proceedings.

In a written order, a division bench comprising Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Sardar Muhammed Sarfraz Dogar and Justice Muhammad Asif said repeated adjournments had stalled progress in the matter. The bench noted that during the previous hearing, all sides had been directed to ensure their presence and move ahead with arguments.

According to the order, counsel Salman Safdar sought more time, saying he needed further instructions from his clients. The National Accountability Bureau, which is prosecuting the case, opposed the request.

The court observed that instead of proceeding with arguments, the defence had sought an adjournment on what it described as weak grounds. The order also said that since Salman Safdar had himself filed the main appeals, it was necessary for him to proceed in the case without further delay.

Describing the matter as sensitive and important, the bench granted what it called a last and final opportunity for arguments to be presented. The judges said they expected the parties not to deliberately remain absent or seek unnecessary adjournments in future hearings.

The court directed counsel to take all necessary steps to ensure that arguments are presented at the next hearing on May 20.

Appeals against convictions

In January last year, an accountability court in Islamabad convicted Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi in the £190 million case. Imran Khan was sentenced to 14 years in prison, while Bushra Bibi was handed a seven-year jail term.

Following the conviction, both the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder and his wife challenged the verdict before the Islamabad High Court.

Earlier request for jail meeting

On April 4, Salman Safdar filed an application in the Islamabad High Court seeking directions for Adiala Jail authorities to allow him to meet his jailed clients to discuss legal matters linked to the £190 million case.

On April 8, the bench headed by Chief Justice Dogar ordered that Barrister Salman Safdar be allowed to meet Imran Khan in connection with the £190 million case.

The latest order makes clear that the court now expects the defence to proceed with arguments on the next date of hearing, which it has fixed as a final opportunity.