Islamabad High Court issues notice to FIA in Toshakhana-II Case

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday issued notices to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and other involved parties regarding petitions filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, seeking acquittal in the Toshakhana-II case.

The case was heard by IHC’s Justice Raja Inam Ameen Minhas. During the proceedings, Imran Khan’s lawyer, Salman Safdar, requested a stay on the ongoing trial, citing a need for suspension. However, Justice Minhas observed that there was no judicial precedent for halting criminal proceedings at this stage, emphasizing that the court would proceed with issuing notices to the concerned parties.

Safdar also requested that the case be transferred to another bench, as Justice Gul Hassan Aurangzeb had previously handled five petitions related to the case. Safdar argued it would be more appropriate for Justice Aurangzeb to hear the acquittal petitions. Justice Minhas, however, rejected this plea, stating that the petitions heard by Justice Aurangzeb were bail-related and this matter was a separate issue that he would continue to hear.

Addressing the request to halt trial court proceedings, Justice Minhas pointed out that the suspects in the case had already been indicted, and witnesses were in the process of testifying. The judge remarked that suspending the proceedings at this point would not be suitable and assured that the case would not be adjourned for an extended period.

The IHC subsequently issued notices to the FIA and adjourned the hearing until January 28, 2025.