Islamabad — Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan has strongly criticised the prolonged delay in the hearing of sentence suspension and appeals in cases involving former prime minister Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, warning that continued denial of justice could trigger public unrest.
Speaking to journalists outside the Islamabad High Court, Barrister Gohar said the legal battle against the conviction began on January 17, 2025, but more than 14 months have passed without a decision on the sentence suspension, despite judicial policy requiring such matters to be decided within 35 days.
He revealed that repeated efforts were made to seek relief through legal channels, including 15 visits to the Supreme Court and over 20 appearances at the Islamabad High Court. “Today was our 23rd appearance here. We have exhausted all legal avenues just to get this case heard,” he said.
Barrister Gohar added that even senior party leadership had met the Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court multiple times to press for progress, but no significant breakthrough had been achieved.
Criticising the court’s approach, he said delaying the decision on sentence suspension while proceeding with the main appeal amounts to a denial of justice. “If the conviction is not in line with the Constitution and law, then the sentence should first be suspended. That is a fundamental legal and constitutional right,” he stated.
He stressed that both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi are entitled to due process, including timely consideration of their appeals, particularly given their prolonged incarceration.
Expressing concern over the broader implications, Barrister Gohar warned that public frustration is growing and could have serious consequences. “If the doors of justice are closed, people may take matters into their own hands. We do not want such a situation in the country, but ignoring public sentiment is dangerous,” he said.
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He urged the judiciary to ensure that justice is delivered in accordance with the Constitution, emphasizing that delays not only affect individuals but also undermine public trust in the legal system.
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