In a case causing a stir in Pakistani politics and judiciary, Imran Khan is under trial for allegedly marrying during iddat (waiting period). This case was initiated under pressure from the Pakistani establishment with the help of Khawar Maneka, involving Imran Khan’s current wife and Khawar Maneka’s ex-wife, Bushra Bibi.
During the court hearing, Khawar Maneka used foul language against Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi in front of the judge. The judge did not take any action against this inappropriate language, leading to severe anger among PTI lawyers and supporters who protested and chanted slogans outside the court. During the protest, Khawar Maneka was slapped by the public.
PTI leadership held a press conference outside the courtroom, criticizing the judge’s behaviour and those who brought Khawar Maneka. Ali Muhammad Khan stated in the press conference that the cipher case hearing for Imran Khan was scheduled for yesterday, but the government declared a holiday on May 28 to celebrate Youm-e-Takbeer. On May 28, 1998, Pakistan conducted its nuclear test under the leadership of Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, and this is the first time a holiday has been declared in 2024.
In court, Khawar Maneka requested ten minutes to speak, but the court, influenced by the military, allowed him to speak for an hour, during which he publicly discussed his ex-wife’s body and menstruation. Imran Khan’s lawyers requested the judge to follow the law, stating that Khawar Maneka had no right to speak, but the judge refused to listen. The judge and Khawar Maneka’s lawyer seemed to be working as a team against Imran Khan, aiming to prolong the case.
It should be noted that Imran Khan’s marriage to Bushra Bibi took place before he assumed the office of Prime Minister of Pakistan. The case of marriage during iddat was established, after which Pakistani agencies allegedly kidnapped and tortured Khawar Maneka, presenting him as a plaintiff against Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi.
The Sharif and Zardari families, with the help of the Pakistani military, have so far registered 250 cases against Imran Khan in an attempt to keep him imprisoned for a long time.