The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday issued notices to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and other parties in response to acquittal petitions filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in the Toshakhana-II case. The case revolves around allegations related to the misappropriation of gifts received by public officials.
Justice Raja Inam Ameen Minhas conducted the hearing, during which Salman Safdar, representing Imran Khan, requested a stay order on the trial proceedings. Justice Minhas observed that granting a stay order at this stage would be unprecedented in criminal law and declined the request. He further emphasized that judicial precedents discourage halting criminal trials once they are underway.
During the proceedings, Safdar also appealed to transfer the case to Justice Gul Hassan Aurangzeb, citing the latter’s previous involvement in hearing petitions related to the Toshakhana cases. Justice Minhas dismissed this plea, clarifying that Justice Aurangzeb had only dealt with bail-related petitions, whereas the current proceedings focused on acquittal matters. He directed Safdar to center his arguments on the case’s merits instead of procedural transfers.
The lawyer also sought suspension of the trial court’s ongoing proceedings, arguing that continuing the trial while the acquittal petitions were pending could prejudice the case. Justice Minhas refused, stating that the trial had already reached an advanced stage, with the suspects having been indicted and witness testimonies in progress. The judge reiterated that intervening at this juncture would be inappropriate and contrary to legal norms.
The Toshakhana-II case, which has garnered significant public attention, involves allegations that Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi unlawfully retained and sold state gifts received during Khan’s tenure as prime minister. The case has seen several legal twists, with the defense arguing that the accusations are politically motivated. The trial court has indicted the accused, and proceedings are underway to examine witnesses and evidence presented by the prosecution.
The court adjourned the hearing and sought responses from the FIA and other respondents, paving the way for further legal arguments on the acquittal petitions in upcoming sessions.
