Islamabad: In the District and Sessions Court of Islamabad, chaos ensued as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawyers reportedly assaulted Khawar Maneka, the ex-husband of former first lady Bushra Bibi, during a hearing related to the iddat case. The altercation erupted amidst the anticipation of a verdict on appeals filed by Bushra Bibi and PTI founder Imran Khan against their conviction in the said case.
The proceedings took a dramatic turn when Judge Shahrukh Arjumand retreated to his chamber without delivering the anticipated verdict, triggering unrest among PTI lawyers. Witnesses reported that bottles were hurled within the courtroom, prompting Maneka’s legal team to swiftly escort him out. However, the situation escalated as a PTI lawyer allegedly physically assaulted Maneka within the court premises, causing him to fall.
The case, initiated by Maneka in January, contests the legality of the marriage between Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, alleging that it was conducted during her iddat, a period of female seclusion following a divorce or the death of her husband. In February, the trial court handed a seven-year sentence and a fine of Rs500,000 each to the couple, asserting that their marriage was “fraudulent” based on evidence of their pre-existing relationship.
During today’s hearing, Judge Arujmand faced repeated expressions of no-confidence from Maneka, prompting the former to write to the Islamabad High Court registrar, requesting the transfer of both Bushra and Khan’s appeals to another court due to the persistent disruptions. The judge cited Maneka’s disruptive behavior and expressed concerns over the fairness of announcing the verdict amidst such turmoil.
Outside the courtroom, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan accused Maneka of using inappropriate language and insinuated external pressure on the judge regarding the case. Meanwhile, PTI leader Shibli Faraz condemned the delay tactics and urged the judiciary to ensure justice prevails in politically sensitive cases.
Shibli Faraz also cited Maneka’s misbehavior and use of obscene language in the courtroom as the reason behind the attack.
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