Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi have been acquitted in the Iddat case. His release has been ordered by the Islamabad district and sessions court. Technically, Imran Khan is now a 'free man' as this was the last case pending against him, reported Pakistani news website Dawn. He has spent nearly a year in jail in various cases.
The court of Justice Majoka said: “If they are not wanted in any other case, then PTI founder Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi should be released [from jail] immediately.” Consequently, orders for their release have been issued.
This decision removes the last legal hurdle preventing Imran Khan from being freed, as he had already been acquitted in several other cases since May 9, 2023 — the day of his initial arrest. Imran Khan's arrest led to riots and protests across Pakistan.
The couple had been convicted in the Iddat case on February 3, just days before the general elections, based on a complaint by Bushra Bibi’s ex-husband, Khawar Fareed Maneka. He alleged that they married during Bushra Bibi’s Iddat period.
Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi had been sentenced to seven years in jail and were asked to pay a fine of PKR 5,00,000 each, reported Dawn. Khan was also facing charges in the Toshakhana and cipher cases. With the Toshakhana case sentences suspended and the acquittal in the cipher case, Imran Khan remained imprisoned at Adiala Jail only due to the Iddat case.
What Is The Iddat Case Which Prevented Imran Khan's Release From Jail?
Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were earlier found guilty by senior civil judge Qudratullah under the Pakistan Penal Code's (PPC) Section 496, which deals with weddings conducted "illegally". Section 496 is legally distinct from 'zina', an offence related to extramarital relations.
In Pakistan’s superior courts, performing nikah during the iddat period is considered irregular but not void and requires a separate legal declaration for the annulment of marriage.
The couple was charged by Judge Qudratullah based on a complaint under PPC Sections 34 (common intention), 496, and 496-B (fornication). The Islamabad High Court (IHC) later dropped Section 496-B, the Dawn report stated.
After their indictment, the IHC halted proceedings on January 19, restraining the prosecution from presenting evidence.
The Islamabad HC eventually decided not to quash the proceedings, noting that the charge had already been framed by the trial court. However, it provided some relief by removing the "illegitimate relations" charge under Section 496-B, which was not framed by the trial court.
Islamabad HC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq dismissed Bushra Bibi's petition, stating that the proper procedure was not followed in invoking Section 496-B.