The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday directed authorities to arrange a meeting between PTI founder Imran Khan and his counsel in connection with the £190 million corruption case, as it took up petitions seeking suspension of sentences for Imran and his spouse Bushra Bibi.

 

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar and Justice Muhammad Asif heard the matter. NAB Special Prosecutor Javed Ashraf and Senior Prosecutor Rafay Maqsood appeared before the court, while Barrister Salman Safdar represented Imran.

 

During the hearing, the bench asked about progress on the main appeals, noting that applications for suspension of sentence were also pending. Safdar told the court that he needed to consult his client before proceeding further. In response, the chief justice instructed authorities to facilitate the meeting.

 

“What time would you like to meet tomorrow?” Justice Dogar asked. Safdar requested 2pm, which was approved, with directions issued for the meeting to take place.

 

The court also indicated it may proceed with the main appeals without delay. Justice Dogar observed, “We will fix the appeal for two days every week you meet your client and assist the court,” adding that once arguments begin, the case could be decided within seven days.

 

Safdar requested the court not to take up the appeals formally until he meets his client. He also urged the bench to first decide the suspension of sentence applications, particularly in Bushra Bibi’s case.

 

The hearing was adjourned till April 9.

 

Imran is currently held at Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail, where meetings with family, lawyers and party leaders are scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays. However, access has faced restrictions.

 

At a previous hearing on March 31, the prosecution said that it was ready to argue the main appeals. The court had directed the defence to seek instructions from Imran, while an additional application was filed requesting that Bushra Bibi’s plea be heard first.