In 2024, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) handled numerous political cases, including those involving Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan and his party. The court made significant rulings amid widespread criticism, providing relief in several high-profile cases.
The IHC exonerated Imran Khan and PTI leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi in the cipher case, overturning the special court’s ruling. It also suspended sentences for Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in the Toshakhana I case and granted them bail in the Toshakhana II (Bulgari set) and £190 million cases. A petition to disqualify Imran Khan over the alleged non-disclosure of his daughter, Tyrian White, was dismissed.
The IHC played a pivotal role in recovering about 90 missing persons, including poet Ahmad Farhad and PTI focal person Intizar Panjutha. The case of 95 missing Baloch students was brought before a larger bench, and the caretaker prime minister was summoned for proceedings.
In another notable decision, Islamabad’s deputy commissioner was sentenced to six months in prison, and the SSP received a four-month sentence for their involvement in the detention of PTI leader Shehryar Afridi. The court also ruled against a Pemra ban on court reporting, allowing media outlets to cover judicial proceedings. Additionally, telecom companies were ordered to halt the recording of consumer phone calls in the audio leaks case, safeguarding privacy.
The IHC also expanded its bench from nine to twelve judges in 2024.
