Iddat case: Bushra's lawyer challenges adjournment request by Maneka's counsel
Pakistan
Additional District and Sessions Judge Afzal Majoka conducts proceedings
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The District and Sessions Court on Monday conducted proceedings on the central appeals filed by former prime minister Imran Khan and his spouse Bushra Bibi against their sentence in the Iddat case.
Additional District and Sessions Judge Afzal Majoka presided over the hearing.
Representing Bushra Bibi in court were lawyers Salman Safdar, Usman Gul, and Khalid Yousaf Chaudhry.
During the proceedings, lawyer Salman Safdar stated that he would adopt the same arguments advocate Salman Akram Raja had completed in the previous hearing regarding the duration of Iddat period.
Appearing before the court, the assistant lawyer for Khawar Maneka's counsel Zahid Asif filed a request seeking adjournment of the hearing.
Bushra Bibi’s lawyer, Salman Safdar, argued against the adjournment, later filing an application opposing it.
The judge then indicated he would seek direction from the Islamabad High Court regarding the adjournment.
After a brief break, Judge Majoka discussed the matter with Bushra Bibi’s lawyer, Salman Safdar, informing him that the high court had been informed about the application, and requested him to proceed with his arguments.
However, Zahid Asif objected, insisting that arguments should only proceed after direction from the high court.
Salman Safdar questioned why advocate Zahid Asif was absent from the courtroom when available in Islamabad, citing tactics used in court of judge Shahrukh Arjamand.
The lawyer reminded the judge that the Islamabad High Court’s directions should be followed for a prompt decision on the central appeals.
Judge Majoka emphasised the importance of complying with the high court's order without violation.
Bushra Bibi’s counsel suggested that if Khawar Maneka's side wanted an adjournment, they should approach the high court.
Upon resuming after another break, Salman Safdar filed an application against the adjournment sought by Khawar Maneka’s lawyer.
The judge stated that if no direction came from the high court, he would hear the case daily starting the day after tomorrow.
The lawyer insisted on holding the hearing the next day (Tuesday).
Judge Majoka informed that a murder case trial would commence the next day but assured Bushra Bibi’s lawyer that he would adhere to the schedule provided by the Islamabad High Court for announcing a decision on the central appeals in the Iddat case.
Subsequently, the court adjourned the hearing until Tuesday.
