SC Halts Trial Court Proceedings against Imran Khan
A three-member bench headed by Justice Ayesha Malik, and comprising Justice Muhammad Hashim Khan Kakar and Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim, issued a stay order while hearing a review petition challenging the trial court’s decision to terminate Khan’s right of defence in the case.
During the hearing, Khan’s counsel, Barrister Ali Zafar, argued that his client had been unable to appear before the trial court due to a gunshot injury to his leg. He contended that despite the court acknowledging Khan’s medical condition and granting him exemptions from personal appearance on two previous dates, it later terminated his right to defend himself.
Justice Ayesha Malik remarked that if the trial court had itself recognized Khan’s injury and granted exemptions on that basis, it was questionable how his right of defence could subsequently be withdrawn.
The counsel further informed the bench that witness testimonies were currently being recorded in the trial court and that the case had reached its final stages. He added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had already recorded his statement via video link in May 2025.
Accepting the plea, the Supreme Court issued notices to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and suspended further proceedings in the trial court. The hearing was adjourned for an indefinite period.