Imran Khan Bail Plea Hearing Deferred Amid Judicial Leave
Published on June 12, 2025
Cancellation of Hearing
The Islamabad High Court’s hearing of bail pleas for former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his spouse Bushra Bibi in a £190 million corruption case was recently cancelled due to the unexpected leave of Justice Mohammad Asif. This development has raised concerns among supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party.
Calls for Rescheduling
In light of the cancellation, senior PTI leaders, including party chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Opposition Leader Omar Ayub Khan, made their way to the IHC. They engaged with officials from the chief justice’s secretariat, advocating for a prompt rescheduling of the hearing.
New Hearing Date Set
Following a wait of two and a half hours, the court has now scheduled June 26 as the new date for the hearing regarding the suspension of Imran Khan’s sentence. This delay has added to the urgency surrounding Khan’s legal troubles.
Heightened Security Measures
Security at the Islamabad High Court was significantly increased during the PTI leaders’ visit. Additional personnel were deployed, and barbed wire was installed around the court’s entrances, reflecting the heightened tensions amid ongoing media scrutiny.
Optimism Amid Disappointment
Speaking to the media outside the court, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan expressed disappointment over the delays but remained hopeful for Imran Khan’s speedy release. “We believe the day is approaching when the PTI founder will walk free,” he said, emphasizing perseverance in the face of legal challenges.
Concerns Over Judicial Efficiency
Khan criticized the backlog of cases within the judicial system, asserting that cases like Imran Khan’s should ideally be resolved within a month. He pointed out the pressing need for judicial reforms, especially as Pakistan’s rank in the Rule of Law Index has dropped dramatically from 97th in 1996 to 129th currently.
Conclusion
The ongoing legal proceedings surrounding Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi’s bail pleas are pivotal not only for the former prime minister but also for the PTI party and its supporters. The new hearing date set for June 26 will be closely watched as the political landscape continues to evolve amidst calls for judicial reform in Pakistan.
