IHC removes objections on Imran, Bushra appeals in Toshakhana-II case

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court on Thursday struck down all objections on the appeals against the Toshakhana case sentences given to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi. The court also ordered that the appeals be numbered and listed for hearing.

Barrister Salman Safdar said, “You are appearing before us in court for the first time; do not let us leave empty-handed.” Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro said, “Both your applications have been accepted; you will not leave empty-handed.”

On December 20, a special court sentenced Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi to 17 years in prison each in the Toshakhana-II case, which involves allegations that the couple illegally held on to a Bulgari jewelry set that was gifted to them by the Saudi Crown Prince during an official visit to Saudi Arabia.

During the hearing of appeals against the Toshakhana case sentences, Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro heard the case. Barristers Salman Safdar and Salman Akram Raja were present, as well as Imran Khan's three sisters.

Barrister Salman Safdar said, “The Registrar’s office had raised objections on our appeal. We were not aware of those objections. When we filed the suspension requests, we found that there were objections. Objections were raised on the baseless appeals.

The Registrar’s office objected that the power of attorney was outdated; later, they withdrew the objection and accepted it. The office also objected that the pages were not flagged and the order was not arranged correctly.”

Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro said that the court was dealing with the remaining objections on the appeals. Barrister Salman Safdar continued questioning the objection regarding the unflagged pages, and the judge, smiling, said that the lawyer could flag the pages.

The court allowed seven days for all remaining objections to be withdrawn. Barrister Salman Safdar said, “We faced many difficulties earlier, and hope that the process will now become easier. The Registrar’s office is confused.”

Two miscellaneous applications of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were accepted, including one to remove objections on the main appeal and another to extend the time to remove objections. Justice Soomro assured that the applications had been approved and that the parties would not leave empty-handed.