ISLAMABAD (Daily Point) — A civil court On Monday, officially accepted the case regarding the alleged illegal marriage involving former premier Imran Khan and his current wife, Bushra Bibi.
Following this decision, notices were issued to all concerned parties, including Bushra Bibi, invoking Section 496-B. A mandated personal appearance for Bushra Bibi on December 14 has been set for the next hearing, according to The News.
The case, initiated by Khawar Maneka, Bushra Bibi’s ex-husband, contends that their marriage violates Sharia laws. During the hearing, Maneka, accompanied by his lawyer Rizwan Abbasi, presented his arguments.
Additionally, the couple faces charges of fornication. However, the court expressed a need for two eyewitnesses from the complainant to substantiate these allegations.
After considering the arguments on the case’s admissibility, the senior civil judge reserved his decision and later confirmed the case’s admissibility. Notices were subsequently issued for the next hearing on December 14, invoking Section 496-B of the Pakistan Penal Code.
The accused, Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, were initially charged with marrying within the three-month iddat period following a divorce. Maneka further accused them of engaging in fornication.
Rizwan Abbasi argued that Section 296-B was applicable, citing Maneka and his servant Latif as the two witnesses. However, the judge clarified that, in addition to the complainant, two separate witnesses were required.
Despite attempts to present the maidservant as a potential witness, the judge emphasized the necessity of medical evidence and ruled that Maneka could not act as both complainant and witness simultaneously. The judge reserved the decision, which was later delivered.
Notably, the court directed authorities to ensure Imran Khan’s electronic attendance for the next hearing, given his current incarceration in Adiala jail.