IHC fixes March 11 for suspension of sentence pleas in £190m case

The Islamabad High Court has directed that the suspension of sentence applications filed by former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in the £190 million case be fixed for hearing on March 11.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar and Justice Muhammad Azam Khan heard miscellaneous applications seeking an early hearing of the suspension pleas.

Barrister Salman Safdar appeared before the court and argued that the applications for suspension of sentence have been pending for a year.

He maintained that while the defense was not seeking immediate hearing of the main appeal, the delay in fixing the suspension pleas was causing concern.

During the proceedings, a large number of PTI-affiliated lawyers approached the rostrum, prompting the Chief Justice to express displeasure, questioning whether an attempt was being made to influence the court.

Barrister Safdar informed the bench that Imran Khan is facing an eye-related medical issue and is being taken to hospital for treatment. He further submitted that five miscellaneous applications had already been filed, but the registrar’s office had not scheduled the matter for hearing.

He also pointed out that Bushra Bibi’s plea has remained pending for a year, urging the court to fix the case either on Monday or any date next week.

Accepting the request for early hearing, the court ordered that the suspension of sentence applications be scheduled for March 11.

Separately, Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, expressed concern over the delay in proceedings, calling the long interval between hearings troubling.