- Islamabad High Court Says Appeals May Be Decided on Existing Record if Defence Does Not Present Arguments
Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has granted Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi a final opportunity to present arguments in their appeals against convictions in the £190 million case.
According to Beyond Time News, a division bench comprising Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar and Muhammad Asif accepted a request for adjournment after defence counsel Sardar Latif Khosa assured the court that arguments would be presented at the next hearing.
Court Issues Final Warning
The court stated that the adjournment was granted solely on the basis of the undertaking given by defence counsel.
The bench observed that no further adjournment would be granted if the defence did not proceed with arguments at the next hearing. In that event, the court said it would hear submissions from the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and decide the appeals on the basis of the available record.
The next hearing date has not yet been announced.
Background of the Appeal
The appeals challenge convictions handed down in the £190 million case. The matter relates to allegations connected with the Al-Qadir Trust, which was established in 2018.
According to the prosecution, funds repatriated from the United Kingdom were improperly used in connection with the case. Imran Khan has denied the allegations, maintaining that neither he nor Bushra Bibi obtained any personal financial benefit.
The appeals are currently before the Islamabad High Court, and the court has not yet ruled on their merits.
Separate FIA Filing
In a separate legal development, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) submitted a challan in the prohibited funding case involving Imran Khan and other accused.
According to officials, the challan has been filed with the registrar of the Special Court in Islamabad. It will be forwarded to the court after scrutiny before being scheduled for regular proceedings.
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The filing of a challan is a procedural step and does not determine the outcome of the case. The allegations remain subject to judicial proceedings.
Why This Matters
The Islamabad High Court’s decision sets expectations for the next stage of the appeals process. The court has indicated that it intends to proceed with the matter if arguments are not presented at the next hearing.
As with all ongoing legal proceedings, the outcome will depend on the evidence, arguments presented by both sides, and the court’s assessment under applicable law.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Islamabad High Court decide?
The court granted a final opportunity for the defence to present arguments in the appeals against the £190 million case convictions.
What happens if the defence does not argue the appeals?
The court said it may hear NAB’s submissions and decide the appeals based on the available record.
What is the £190 million case about?
The case concerns allegations relating to the Al-Qadir Trust and the handling of funds repatriated from the United Kingdom. The allegations are disputed by Imran Khan.
Has the Islamabad High Court decided the appeals?
No. The appeals remain pending before the court.
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