ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed counsel for PTI founder and Bushra Bibi to present arguments on June 18 in the appeals against their conviction in the £190 million case, under all circumstances. The court further stated that if the lead counsel is unavailable due to illness, another lawyer must proceed with the arguments, failing which it will decide the case on the basis of available record in accordance with the law.
The court also directed superintendent of Adiala jail to obtain PTI founder’s signatures on power of attorney and provide it to the lawyer.
A division bench, comprising IHC Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar and Justice Muhammad Asif, issued the written order. The order stated that given the sensitivity of the matter, the appeal had already been fixed for arguments, noting that the lawyer had been granted a final opportunity during the previous hearing. However, PTI founder’s lawyer, Barrister Salman Safdar, is suffering from an eye ailment and has filed another request for adjournment on his behalf.
The court said if the appellant’s counsel is unavailable due to medical reasons, arrangements should be made for alternative legal representation to present arguments on the next hearing date, otherwise, the appeal will be decided on the basis of available record and law. The order further stated that during the previous hearing, it had directed that a meeting be arranged between the appellant and his lawyer, Barrister Salman Safdar, Advocate. The court was informed that despite the meeting, the required ‘Vakalatnama’ (power of attorney) had not been provided to the lawyer. The court directed superintendent of Adiala jail to make PTI founder sign the power of attorney and provide it to the lawyer. The state counsel was also instructed to ensure strict compliance with the directions on power of attorney.
