IHC Directs Special Judge to Rule on Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi's Bail

In a significant development in Pakistan's legal landscape, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed the Special Judge Central, Shahrukh Arjumand, to make a decision regarding the post-arrest bail applications of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, within five days. This order was issued by Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb on Thursday, aligning with the guidelines set forth by the National Judicial Policy-Making Committee.

The urgency of this decision stems from the established policy that mandates special courts to resolve post-arrest bail petitions within five days, while trial courts have a three-day window and High Courts are allotted seven days. The legal team representing Khan and Bibi filed a writ petition earlier this week, expressing concerns over delays in the adjudication of their bail requests, which they argue are not due to any fault of their own.

During the proceedings, the petitioners' counsel emphasized the need for a prompt ruling, highlighting the prolonged nature of the case. In contrast, the Special Prosecutor from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) assured the court that the trial court would address the bail petitions in due course.

It is noteworthy that Bushra Bibi and Imran Khan were previously acquitted in the Unlawful Marriage Case by Additional District and Sessions Judge Afzal Majoka on July 13, 2024. However, on the same day, Bushra Bibi was arrested by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in connection with the Toshakhana 2.0 inquiry, leading to the filing of a reference against her.

The legal complexities surrounding this case intensified following a Supreme Court ruling on September 6, which upheld the NAB amendment of 2023. This ruling effectively removed the Toshakhana 2.0 case from NAB's jurisdiction, transferring it to the Special Court Central. The case has since seen a series of administrative changes, including the appointment of Shahrukh Arjumand as the Special Judge Central Court-I after the previous judge, Amjad Ranjha, took a five-day leave.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the implications of this case extend beyond the individuals involved. It raises critical questions about the judicial process in Pakistan, the efficiency of the legal system, and the rights of individuals facing legal challenges. The upcoming decision by the Special Judge will not only impact Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi but may also set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future. The public and legal observers alike will be keenly watching the developments in this high-profile case, as it continues to capture national attention.