## Court Reserves Ruling in Iddat Case Against Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi
### Background of the Case
The Iddat case involves allegations that former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi married during Bushra’s iddat period, which is the waiting period required after a divorce before remarrying. Bushra’s former husband, Khawar Maneka, filed a complaint against the couple, leading to their conviction in February 2024.
### Appeal and Reserved Ruling
On May 24, 2024, District and Sessions Judge Shahrukh Arjumand reserved judgment on the appeals filed by Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi challenging their sentences. The court will announce its decision on May 29.
### Arguments Presented
During the hearing, PTI counsel Usman Riaz Gul argued that the case was politically motivated and that family courts, not criminal courts, should handle marriage validity issues. He also stated that Bushra had fulfilled her iddat by April 2017 and remarried after its completion.
The deputy district prosecutor maintained that the conviction should be upheld, highlighting that there was no legal exemption for such cases from criminal prosecution. He also claimed that Imran Khan’s interference contributed to Maneka and Bushra’s separation.
### Religious Scholars’ Views
PTI-aligned religious scholars have condemned the case as politically motivated and contrary to Islamic teachings. They emphasize that a woman’s testimony on iddat is considered credible and should be respected. Scholars also urge the judiciary to avoid interference in sensitive religious matters.
### Other Developments
Despite Maneka’s request to transfer the case to another court due to lack of trust in Judge Arjumand, the court rejected his plea. Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi’s lawyers have previously expressed dissatisfaction with alleged delaying tactics by Khawar Maneka’s counsel.
### Conclusion
The Iddat case against Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi has sparked controversy and raised questions about the intersection of politics, religion, and the law. The court’s upcoming judgment will be closely watched for its implications on the legal and political landscape.