The legal representative of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi has raised concerns over the handling of their bail proceedings in the Islamabad High Court, stating that the matter was disposed of without a final judgment while the main appeal has now been fixed for hearing.
According to Khan’s legal counsel, the defense team had been instructed to present arguments on the bail applications. In preparation for moving the case to the Supreme Court of Pakistan, power of attorney documents, legal papers, and appeal filings required signatures from the petitioners.
The counsel stated that multiple attempts were made to obtain these documents from Adiala Jail, including nine visits to the facility, five written requests to the jail superintendent, and two separate submissions of legal paperwork via courier services. The most recent visit to Adiala Jail reportedly concluded the previous day without resolution.
The legal team alleges that in the Al-Qadir Trust case, the right to a hearing on the bail application has effectively been curtailed. They claim that the Islamabad High Court disposed of the bail plea without a detailed ruling on merits, which they argue may prevent further challenge before the Supreme Court.
They further contend that this procedural outcome appears to be part of a broader pattern intended to delay or block appellate review, thereby maintaining existing convictions and limiting access to higher judicial forums.
Referring to previous cases involving Imran Khan, the legal team noted that in several instances such as the cipher case and other criminal proceedings relief was granted when hearings were conducted in open appellate courts, including acquittals or suspension of sentences. They argue that similar access to appellate review is now being restricted.
The counsel also stated that formal letters have been sent to senior prison authorities in Punjab requesting intervention. Additionally, the matter has been brought to the attention of the Chief Justice of Pakistan, the Registrar of the Supreme Court, and relevant administrative offices within the judiciary. However, they claim no concrete action has yet been taken.
The statements were issued by Imran Khan’s lawyer, Khalid Yusuf Chaudhry.