A local court in Islamabad has decided to hear a case against PTI Founder Imran Khan and his wife over their union, which, a complainant said, was illegal and against the Sharia.
The couple also faces charges of fornication. The court, however, has indicated that it would be demanding two eyewitnesses from the complainant.
The matter was heard by Senior Civil Judge Qudratullah at the District and Sessions Courts Islamabad, with the complainant Khawar Manika appearing before the court.
The judge heard the arguments on the admissibility of the case and reserved his decision which he announced a few hours later, declaring the case admissable.
The judge issued notices to the parties for December 14. The notices were issued under Section 496B of the Pakistan Penal Code — the fornication clause in Pakistani law which has a maximum penalty of five years in jail and a fine of Rs10,000.
Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were originally accused of marrying within the three-month iddat period that follows a divorce. However, Bushra Bibi’s former husband Khawar Maneka has also accused them of fornication.
Maneka’s lawyer Rizwan Abbasi presented his arguments on Monday, saying Section 296B applied in the case. He claimed that Khawar Maneka and his servant Latif were the two eyewitnesses in the case.
However, the judge said that the law was clear and that two witnesses were required in addition to the complainant.
The lawyer insisted on presenting his argument and said the maid-servant was also in the house and could be produced as a witness.
The court also asked about medical evidence.
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The judge said that Maneka could not be half complainant and half witness at the same time.
The judge eventually reserved the decision which he handed down later.
The court has told authorities to take Imran Khan’s E-attendance for the case on the next hearing as he is imprisoned in Adiala jail.
He ordered Bushra Bibi to appear in person.
