The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday adjourned the hearing of the main appeal in the £190 million corruption case involving PTI founder Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi. The next hearing has been fixed for May 20.
The court accepted a request from Imran Khan’s lawyer, Barrister Salman Safdar, seeking additional time to complete legal formalities. The request also included permission to meet the jailed PTI founder for instructions and completion of the power of attorney process.
A two-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar, heard the case. NAB prosecutors opposed the adjournment and argued that repeated delays were affecting the progress of the case.
Despite the opposition, the court allowed the request but made it clear that this would be the final opportunity for both sides to present their arguments.
The bench directed all parties to ensure that arguments are completed on the next date without further delay. It stressed that the matter should now move towards conclusion.
During the hearing, defence lawyers also raised concerns about difficulties in meeting Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi in jail. They said court directions regarding meetings had not been fully implemented.
The court noted these submissions and later rose from the bench after hearing all sides.
Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi are currently imprisoned in Adiala Jail. They are serving sentences in multiple cases, including the Toshakhana-II reference.
The £190 million case relates to allegations involving the Al-Qadir Trust. Authorities claim that financial benefits and land were exchanged in connection with repatriated funds from the United Kingdom.
Imran Khan has denied all allegations. He maintains that neither he nor his wife received any personal benefit from the trust or related transactions.
