Court Reserves Verdict on Bushra Bibi's Acquittal Plea in High-Profile Settlement Case

An accountability court reserved its verdict on Imran Khan's wife Bushra Bibi's acquittal plea in a settlement case. The case involves significant allegations of financial misconduct, raising questions about the misuse of national funds.

An accountability court has reserved its decision on the acquittal plea of Bushra Bibi, wife of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, in a Pound 190 million settlement case, according to Geo News. The case also implicates a prominent real estate tycoon, with both Khan and his spouse accused of causing substantial financial losses to the national exchequer.

Judge Nasir Javed Rana of the Accountability Court is expected to announce his verdict on Bushra Bibi's plea on Thursday, following final arguments from the involved parties. For security reasons, the couple attended the hearing in a provisional courtroom setup within Adiala Jail.

The hearing faced a delay as the PTI founder's lawyer was absent, resulting in the postponement of the cross-examination of the National Accountability Bureau's (NAB) investigating officer. Usman Riaz Gul, the legal representative for Bushra Bibi, argued for her acquittal. The anti-corruption watchdog, however, has opposed the plea. Consequently, the judge dismissed the defense's request to initiate contempt proceedings against the NAB chairman, deeming it ineffective.

(With inputs from agencies.)