The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued detailed directions in the appeal related to the £190 million case involving Imran Khan, warning that the matter may proceed even if the defence counsel fails to appear without appointing a substitute lawyer.
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According to the written order issued by the court, the bench comprising the Chief Justice and Justice Muhammad Asif stated that if the defence lawyer remains unavailable due to health reasons, a replacement counsel must be appointed. Otherwise, the court reserved the right to decide the appeal based on the available record.
The court noted that Imran Khan’s counsel, Barrister Salman Safdar, had sought adjournment on medical grounds, citing a retinal eye condition. It also observed that the defence had already been given a final opportunity during previous hearings to present arguments.
The order further directed that if no alternative counsel is appointed for the next hearing, the court may proceed in accordance with law and decide the case on merit using existing records.
The Adiala Jail superintendent was also instructed to ensure timely processing of legal documents, including the power of attorney, and to return them promptly after completing formalities.
The court fixed June 18 as the next date of hearing and ordered strict compliance with its instructions.
Meanwhile, in a related development, an Anti-Terrorism Court dismissed a petition seeking permission to meet Imran Khan in connection with the May 9 cases, terming the request unnecessary and imposing a fine for filing the application in the wrong forum.
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The court reiterated that established procedures for meetings with incarcerated individuals must be followed and cannot be bypassed through separate trial court applications. Legal proceedings in both cases continue as multiple petitions involving Imran Khan remain under judicial review.