IHC adjourns PTI founder, Bushra Bibi's appeals in 190 Million Pound Case

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Apr, 2026) The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday adjourned the hearing on the appeals and suspension of sentence petitions filed by the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in the 190 million pound reference.

During the proceedings, significant legal and human rights points were raised.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar and Justice Muhammad Asif heard the case. Barrister Salman Safdar appeared on behalf of the petitioners, while prosecutors Javed Ashraf and Rafaq Maqsood represented the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

At the outset of the hearing, Chief Justice Dogar asked the lawyer why he was not arguing the main appeal. The court stated that it was ready to hear and decide the appeal at the earliest, even on a day-to-day basis.

Barrister Safdar responded that he was acting on his client's instructions to first secure a decision on the suspension of sentence pleas, after which arguments on the main appeal would be presented.

At this, the court observed that as per principle, once an appeal is fixed for hearing, the suspension of sentence petition becomes infructuous. The Chief Justice added that if the appeal is scheduled for hearing, there should be no unnecessary delay, and the parties would be given a full opportunity to argue.

He directed the lawyer to provide a schedule for preparation on the appeal so that regular hearings could commence.

Earlier, Barrister Safdar informed the court that following a judicial order on April 8, he was granted a meeting with the PTI founder. However, despite that 65-minute meeting, he was not allowed to meet Bushra Bibi. According to the counsel, his last meeting with Bushra Bibi took place on December 20.

Barrister Safdar further informed the court that on April 16, the Deputy Superintendent of Adiala Jail notified him of a medical emergency concerning Bushra Bibi. She subsequently underwent surgery on her right eye, but despite doctors' instructions, she was not permitted to stay in the hospital for further recovery.

He maintained that adequate medical facilities are not available at Adiala Jail. He noted that 17 hearings have already taken place in this case, and the matter has also been discussed internationally, including in the British Parliament.

He requested the court to seek an explanation from jail authorities, summon the Inspector General of Prisons, the jail superintendent, and relevant doctors, and order the complete medical record to be presented before the court.

After hearing the arguments, the bench adjourned further proceedings in the case.