ISLAMABAD; Bushra Bibi, wife of PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan, has approached the Islamabad High Court (IHC) seeking suspension of the Toshakhana-2 trial and an early hearing of her pending appeal.
The petition, filed through Barristers Suleman Khalid and Khalid Yousuf Chaudhry, states that the trial court rejected her acquittal plea in November 2024, against which an appeal was submitted on January 21, 2025. The last hearing of the appeal took place on April 25, 2025, and the matter has since remained pending.
The plea argues that the petitioner’s fundamental rights risk being compromised due to the prolonged delay, while the trial court continues proceedings at pace. If the trial concludes before the appeal is decided, the petition contends, the appeal would lose its significance. Therefore, Bushra Bibi has requested the court to stay the trial until the appeal is adjudicated.
Meanwhile, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar strongly dismissed media reports suggesting any political deal. Speaking to a private TV channel on Friday, he said: “Had there been any deal, PTI’s founder would not have spent two years in jail. We reject the word ‘deal’ outright. The cases against us are politically motivated.”
He added that PTI’s struggle is for judicial independence and democracy, noting that party leaders have faced convictions and disqualifications, while those who left PTI have been spared legal action.
On reports about political negotiations, Gohar clarified that no talks are currently underway. He stressed that Imran Khan has repeatedly shown flexibility in the past, including during the 26th constitutional amendment debate, but his calls for dialogue were ignored. “The other side should also demonstrate goodwill. Even meetings with the PTI founder are being denied, though this is his right,” he remarked.
Responding to a question, Gohar said he was unaware of the details behind lawyer Suleman Akram Raja’s resignation, adding that the matter was now closed.
