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RAWALPINDI: Former prime minister Imran Khan and his spouse sought at least a fortnight to answer 79 questions framed by the judge of an accountability court in the 190 million pounds reference.
Last week, the Islamabad High Court instructed the trial court to decide the acquittal pleas of Mr Khan and Bushra Bibi in this reference.
The defence counsel urged the accountability judge to decide these applications first before recording the statements of Mr Khan and his spouse.
Defence counsel Faisal Hussain Chaudhry emphasised that the accused should have time to address a detailed 79-question document prepared under Section 342 of the CrPC. This section allows defendants to present their version of events, which is critical for their defence. The defence counsel requested a 14-day extension to allow adequate time for the statement preparation.
NAB’s prosecutor, however, argued that the accused were present in court, and their statements should be recorded without delay. However, the judge adjourned the hearing till Nov 13.
On a petition filed by Noreen Niazi, a sister of Mr Khan, Justice Arbab Mohammad Tahir of the IHC directed the FIA, police and other relevant authorities to submit detailed information on all cases registered against Mr Khan by Thursday.
Published in Dawn, November 12th, 2024
