ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has scheduled multiple key cases involving former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan for hearing on Feb. 18, triggering fresh political and legal activity in the country.
The top court will hear six significant cases in a single day. Legal observers describe the move as unusual and politically consequential.
Chief Justice Yahya Afridi constituted a three-member bench to hear the matters. Justice Muhammad Hashim Khan Kakar will head the bench. Justice Salahuddin Panhwar and Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim will serve as members.
The court will take up the high-profile cipher case. The government has challenged the acquittal of Khan and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in the matter. Officials have termed the case sensitive and of national importance.
The bench will also hear an appeal against the suspension of Khan’s sentence in the Toshakhana criminal case. The appeal challenges an earlier decision by the Islamabad High Court. Judges will review legal arguments and decide whether to uphold or alter the suspension order.
The court will further examine the Punjab government’s appeal against Khan’s bail in separate cases. These include cases related to the May 9 unrest in Lahore. Authorities argue that bail orders require judicial reconsideration.
In addition, the court will hear defamation appeals filed by Khan against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The bench will also consider the Punjab government’s appeal against the bail granted to Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi.
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Legal experts say scheduling multiple high-stakes cases on the same day signals accelerated judicial proceedings. They expect the hearings to shape Pakistan’s political and legal landscape in the coming weeks.
