Pakistan judge refuses to announce verdict on appeals against Khan’s conviction, recuses himself

A Pakistani court on Wednesday (May 29) refused to reveal its verdict on former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi regarding an appeal filed against their conviction in an illegal marriage case. Instead, the Islamabad District and Sessions Court judge Shahrukh Arjumand recused himself from the case and urged it to be transferred.

The Illegal Marriage Case

The former first couple was sentenced to seven years in jail by a trial court on February 3 this year for getting married allegedly without following the Islamic protocol. The case, brought by Bibi's ex-husband Khawar Maneka, was built on claims that Bushra got married without observing the mandatory waiting period of Iddat. He had asked the court to declare the marriage null and void.

Khan moves to Islamabad District and Sessions Court

Later, Imran Khan and his wife moved to the higher court to seek relief. On May 23, Islamabad District and Sessions Court reserved its verdict after the conclusion of the hearing.

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The judge was supposed to publicise his verdict today but he refused. He cited the objection by the complainant and recused himself.

Khan's lawyer attacks Maneka

As the judge recused himself, Bushra's ex-husband Maneka walked out of the courtroom where he was allegedly attacked by Khan's lawyer.

The couple got married in 2018, the year when Khan went on to win elections and take office as the prime minister. Although Bushra was supposedly his spiritual mentor, the two grew close to one another throughout their sessions.

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After 28 years of marriage and five children, she filed for divorce and got married to Khan. Bushra is the third wife of Imran Khan, a cricketing hero known for having a playboy reputation at the peak of his career.

(With inputs from agencies)