The Islamabad High Court on Thursday dismissed the request to issue an immediate stay order on the trial of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in the Toshakhana II case.
According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, Justice Raja Inam Amin Minhas presided over the hearing of the case on Thursday. The court issued a notice to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) regarding the acquittal petition of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, seeking a reply.
During the proceedings, Imran Khan’s lawyer, Salman Safdar, appeared and argued for the issuance of a stay order on the trial. The justice observed that “There is no judicial precedent to stay criminal proceedings at this stage. We will issue a notice and hear the other party as well.”
Imran Khan's lawyer further requested that the case be transferred to another bench, pointing out that Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb had previously heard five petitions related to the Toshakhana case. Salman Safdar argued it would be appropriate for this matter to be heard by the same bench.
Justice Minhas, however, remarked that “Those were bail applications; this is a separate matter. This court will hear the case, so present arguments on its merits.”
The counsel also requested that the hearing be rescheduled for January 27. However, the court adjourned the hearing to January 28, 2025.
Reporter: Ehtisham Kiyani