NAB arrests Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi in new case after acquittal in Iddat case

NAB arrests Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi in new case after acquittal in Iddat case
Source: File Photo

Rawalpindi (Web Desk): Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former premier Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were arrested by National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in a new case hours after they were acquitted by an Islamabad court in Iddat case on Saturday.

According to sources, a team of the anti-corruption watchdog headed by Deputy Director Mohsin Haroon arrested the couple in the Adiala Jail in the new case related to alleged misuse of power for acquiring Toshakhana gifts.

Earlier, a team investigating the May 9 cases registered in Lahore had also arrived at Adiala Jail, indicating the possibility of further arrests of the PTI founder in those cases.

Meanwhile, the founder of PTI has challenged the rejection of interim bails in three cases in the high court.

In the petitions filed through his lawyer, Barrister Salman Safdar, Imran Khan argued that he is the former prime minister and that the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) dismissed his bails in three cases related to the May 9 riots contrary to the facts.

The petitions request the high court to overturn the trial court's decision and grant interim bails to the PTI founder.

Earlier today, An Islamabad district and sessions court accepted PTI Imran Khan and his spouse Bushra Bibi’s appeals against their conviction in the Iddat case.

Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka announced the judgement which he reserved earlier in the day.

The court also issued release orders for the incarcerated couple if they are not wanted in any other case.
Meanwhile, the court also rejected petitions seeking the formation of a medical board and consultations with the religious scholars.

Imran Khan and his wife were sentenced to seven years in prison over allegations of contracting marriage during the former first lady’s Iddat period, following a complaint filed by her ex-husband Khawar Maneka.

On February 3, the couple were convicted by a senior civil judge for contracting marriage during Bushra Bibi’s Iddat period. They were sentenced to seven years in jail with a fine of Rs500,000 each.

The couple had challenged the conviction before district and sessions judge Shahrukh Arjumand, who recused himself at a time when the hearing had been concluded and the court was supposed to announce the verdict.

Subsequently, the case was transferred to Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADSJ) Mohammad Afzal Majoka. However, the counsel for Bushra Bibi had filed a petition before the IHC seeking her release on bail and suspension of her sentence.

An Islamabad High Court (IHC) order issued in June had mandated the trial court to conclude the hearing by July 12.