NAB special prosecutor asks court to give reasonable time to prepare case as he had never previously been involved in it
ISLAMABAD: (UrduPoint/Pakistan Point News-June 26th, 2025) Islamabad High Court (IHC) Acting Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar while engaging in a sharp exchange with Imran Khan’s lawyer during hearing of the £190 million case observed, “You are trying to put pressure on me,”.
A IHC division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Sardar Sarfraz Dogar and Justice Muhammad Asif was hearing the appeals for the suspension of the convictions of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi.
Representing the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Special Prosecutor Javed Arshad Advocate and Rafi Maqsood appeared before the court.
The courtroom witnessed the presence of the PTI founder’s three sisters, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, Opposition Leader Omar Ayub, Senator Shibli Faraz, Faisal Javed and several other key party leaders.
A large number of PTI supporters gathered outside the court and chanted slogans in favor of the PTI founder’s release. The police had enforced strict security measures around the premises.
During the proceedings, Special Prosecutor Javed Arshad informed the court that he had been appointed to the case only a day earlier. He submitted his notification of appointment and requested four weeks to study the case record and prepare adequately, stating that the case was of significant importance and he had never previously been involved in it.
He added that granting sufficient time would align with the principles of transparency.
In response, Imran Khan’s lawyer Barrister Salman Safdar argued that NAB was deliberately causing delays. He reminded the court that even on June 5, NAB’s lawyer Rafi Maqsood had declined to present arguments.
“This is not an ordinary case — even a woman has been convicted. The courts usually suspend sentences in such circumstances,” he said. “We should be given an opportunity to present our case and arguments,”.
Barrister Safdar added, “If you’ve made a case, then come forward and play,” to which Special Prosecutor Javed Arshad replied, “We absolutely will.”
During the exchange, the acting chief justice cautioned the lawyers and others present to respect the court’s decorum and avoid exerting unnecessary pressure. Addressing Barrister Safdar directly, he said, “You are trying to pressure me,”.
At one point, the PTI founder’s sister, Aleema Khan, spoke to court staff and requested that the judge be informed they were waiting and would appreciate it if a future hearing date could be provided. The court responded that the next date would be issued in the written order.
The court accepted the NAB’s request for time to prepare and adjourned the hearing. The court directed that both parties should start their arguments at the next session. The new date would be included in the written order.
