Islamabad, September 18, 2025 — The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has fixed September 25 as the date for hearing the acquittal pleas filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in the £190 million corruption case. The petitions, which seek complete exoneration from the charges, will be heard by a two-member division bench comprising Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar and Justice Azam Khan.

Background of the Case

The £190 million case, often described as one of the most high-profile legal battles involving the former Prime Minister, stems from allegations concerning the misuse of funds and alleged corruption in a property deal. The case revolves around financial settlements linked to real estate magnate Malik Riaz and funds repatriated from the United Kingdom to Pakistan.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had claimed that the PTI government, during its tenure, facilitated the adjustment of £190 million in favor of Bahria Town instead of depositing it in the national exchequer. Critics of Imran Khan allege that this deal represented a misuse of authority, while supporters argue it was a legitimate financial settlement overseen by government institutions at the time.

Bushra Bibi, wife of the PTI founder, was also implicated in the case on the grounds that properties allegedly tied to the financial settlement were transferred in her name. Both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi have consistently denied the allegations, calling the case a politically motivated attempt to discredit them.

Acquittal Petitions Filed

Earlier this month, Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi filed their formal petitions before the Islamabad High Court, urging the court to dismiss the case and acquit them of all charges. Their legal team argued that there was insufficient evidence to justify a trial and that the case was based on political vendettas rather than legal merit.

In the petition, the defense contended that the £190 million settlement was managed through proper governmental channels and that neither Imran Khan nor Bushra Bibi personally benefited from the transaction. The petition also emphasized that NAB had failed to establish a direct link between the couple and any alleged corruption.

Court Sets Hearing Date

On Wednesday, the Islamabad High Court announced that the petitions would be taken up on September 25, 2025. The hearing will be conducted by a division bench comprising Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar and Justice Azam Khan. This decision has set the stage for a potentially decisive legal development in a case that has drawn significant public and media attention for over a year.

Legal analysts believe that the outcome of this hearing could either pave the way for the eventual dismissal of charges against the couple or prolong the case with fresh legal proceedings. The court’s decision to formally hear the pleas indicates that the matter has reached a critical juncture.

Political Context

The timing of the case is particularly significant given Pakistan’s ongoing political turbulence. Imran Khan, who was removed from power in April 2022 through a parliamentary no-confidence motion, has faced a barrage of legal cases since then. Many of these cases, including the £190 million settlement issue, have been described by PTI leaders as part of a broader crackdown aimed at weakening the party’s political standing.

Bushra Bibi, who has largely stayed out of the political limelight, has increasingly become entangled in legal disputes following Imran Khan’s ouster. Her inclusion in this case has fueled debates about whether political rivals are attempting to exert additional pressure on the former Prime Minister by targeting his family.

Supporters of Imran Khan see the acquittal petitions as an opportunity to clear his and his wife’s names and to challenge what they believe is judicial overreach. Conversely, critics argue that the petitions represent another attempt to delay accountability and avoid a full trial.

Legal Experts Weigh In

Prominent legal analysts have expressed varying opinions about the upcoming hearing. Some argue that the petitions for acquittal face a high bar, as courts typically require substantial grounds to dismiss corruption charges at such an early stage. Others believe that the lack of concrete evidence against Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi could work in their favor.

Advocate Salman Akram Raja, a senior lawyer, noted in a recent interview that acquittal petitions often succeed when prosecutors fail to establish direct involvement of the accused in the alleged wrongdoing. “If NAB has not been able to produce solid evidence linking Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi directly to corruption, the court may very well dismiss the case,” he said.

On the other hand, constitutional expert Dr. Osama Malik emphasized that the political sensitivity of the case means the court will likely scrutinize every detail before reaching a conclusion. “This is not just a legal matter but a political one as well. The stakes are very high,” he observed.

Public Reactions and Media Coverage

The announcement of the hearing date has generated widespread interest across Pakistan’s political and media landscape. PTI supporters took to social media to hail the decision as a step toward justice, while political rivals reiterated their demand for accountability and transparency.

Television talk shows and news outlets have been abuzz with debates on whether the acquittal petitions will succeed. Analysts have speculated that the outcome could have major repercussions not only for Imran Khan’s personal legal troubles but also for the broader political climate in Pakistan.

Looking Ahead

As September 25 approaches, all eyes will be on the Islamabad High Court. The division bench led by Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar will hear arguments from both the defense and NAB, with the possibility of either dismissing the charges outright or allowing the trial to proceed.

For Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, the stakes could not be higher. An acquittal would significantly bolster their legal standing and provide a much-needed political boost for PTI. However, if the court decides against their plea, the couple may face a prolonged legal battle that could further complicate their political and personal lives.

Whatever the outcome, the hearing promises to be a defining moment in Pakistan’s ongoing saga of legal battles, accountability measures, and political rivalries.