By The recent verdict in the “un-Islamic marriage case” has added another layer of controversy to the legal battles faced by Pakistan’s former prime minister, Imran Khan, and his wife, Bushra Bibi. A local court in Pakistan sentenced both Khan and Bibi to seven years each, declaring their marriage as “un-Islamic.”
This judgment followed closely on the heels of separate 14-year sentences handed to the couple in a corruption case known as Toshakhana, where they were accused of illegally selling state gifts. These legal woes have become a cascade of challenges for Khan, who has been incarcerated since August, facing over 100 charges.
“un-Islamic marriage case”
The “un-Islamic marriage case” was initiated by Bushra Bibi’s former husband, marking the third sentence against Khan in just one week. The verdict was delivered during a hearing in Rawalpindi prison, where Khan has been held. Earlier, he was convicted in the “iddat” case for remarrying Bibi without observing the mandatory 40-day waiting period after her divorce. Khan denounced these cases as attempts to “humiliate and disgrace” him and his wife.
What makes this situation unprecedented is the unusual focus on the iddat case, highlighting the first instance in history where such legal action has been taken. Critics argue that these convictions are strategically timed, just days before the general election scheduled for February 8. While Khan is barred from participating in the election, his popularity remains intact among voters.
The timing has raised eyebrows, leading many to question the motives behind these legal actions. Critics, including renowned journalist Hamid Mir and law expert Reema Umer, have labeled the verdict as disgraceful for the judiciary. Umer specifically called the proceedings a “damning blot” on the justice system, accusing the state of stooping low to humiliate Khan and Bibi.
Imran Khan, ousted from power in 2022 through a vote of no confidence, insists that these cases are politically motivated. He has been vocal in accusing the powerful military, which played a role in bringing him to power, of having personal grudges against him. The military’s alleged interference in politics has long been a contentious issue in Pakistan.
