The interim bail request of former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, in 12 cases related to May 9, 2023, has been rejected.
Judge Malik Ejaz Asif of the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Rawalpindi heard the cases related to May 9 at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.
More than 500 accused, including Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and chairman Imran Khan, were presented in the Anti-Terrorism Court in connection with the May 9 incident.
Among those presented were Sheikh Rashid, Shibli Faraz, Ghulam Sarwar Khan, Sadaqat Abbasi, Shireen Mazari, Azam Swati, and others.
The court rejected Bushra Bibi’s interim bail request in 12 cases related to May 9.
The court ordered that the investigation of the May 9 cases involving Bushra Bibi should be completed within seven days. The court noted that when someone is arrested in so many cases, investigation is necessary. The hearing of the cases was adjourned until August 22.
It is worth noting that on May 9, 2023, widespread protests were held by PTI following the arrest of Imran Khan in the Al-Qadir Trust case from the premises of the Islamabad High Court. During these protests, the Pakistan Muslim League (N) office in Model Town, Lahore, was set on fire, along with military, civil, and private installations. Significant damage was done to public and private property, and at least 8 people were killed and 290 were injured.
Subsequently, 1,900 individuals involved in clashes with law enforcement, vandalism, and arson across the country were arrested, and cases were filed against Imran Khan, his party leaders, and workers.
In connection with the May 9 incidents, central PTI leaders Yasmin Rashid, Mehmoodur Rashid, Ejaz Chaudhry, and Sanam Javed were also arrested.
Bushra Bibi’s Petition Against Jail Misconduct Sent to Adiala Jail Superintendent
The Islamabad High Court has sent the petition of former First Lady Bushra Bibi against jail misconduct to the Adiala Jail Superintendent. Justice Mian Gul Aurangzeb questioned the NAB prosecutor, asking whether the issuance of Bushra Bibi’s arrest warrants on July 13 was merely a coincidence. He asked if July 13 was not a “magic date” for Bushra Bibi. He also inquired if NAB planned to arrest 108 individuals because Bushra Bibi’s case involved 108 gifts and whether NAB would make arrests on the same day she received relief in another case.
Justice Mian Gul Hassan Aurangzeb heard the request for details of cases against PTI founder Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi.
During the hearing, lawyer Shehbaz Khosa mentioned that Bushra Bibi was sentenced in the Toshakhana Case One on January 31, which has since been suspended.
Justice Mian Gul Hassan Aurangzeb remarked, “Thanks to the State, thanks to Amjad Pervez,” stating that the punishment was suspended based on the State’s statement, but the conviction still stands.
The lawyer said that if given the opportunity, he would have argued because there had been no trial under Section 342 in the Toshakhana Case One.
Justice Mian Gul Hassan Aurangzeb asked the NAB prosecutor when they would attain their independent character, questioning if the arrest warrants for Bushra Bibi were issued on July 13 by mere coincidence. He also questioned if July 13 was not a “magic date” for Bushra Bibi, noting that her case involved 108 gifts, asking if NAB planned to arrest 108 individuals and whether they would arrest on the same day that the accused received relief in another case.
The NAB prosecutor responded that Bushra Bibi was not cooperating with the investigation, and her arrest on July 13 was just a coincidence.
The State Council stated that there are 11 cases against Bushra Bibi in Rawalpindi, and one each in Attock and Islamabad.
You Will Be Responsible If Something Happens to Me in Jail, Yasmin Rashid Tells Judge
The court directed that Bushra Bibi’s request to halt further arrests in other cases be scheduled with the other cases and instructed the Chief Justice’s office to send the case file.
The Islamabad High Court sent Bushra Bibi’s petition against jail misconduct to the Adiala Jail Superintendent.
Justice Mian Gul Hassan Aurangzeb ordered that this petition be treated as an application before the Adiala Jail Superintendent, who should take action according to the law.
Bushra Bibi’s lawyer stated that the Registrar’s Office raised objections to her petition, with the first objection being that the Adiala Jail Superintendent is under the Punjab government’s jurisdiction, so a petition against Adiala Jail officials cannot be filed in the Islamabad High Court.
Justice Mian Gul Hassan Aurangzeb said that the office’s objection to Bushra Bibi’s petition was based on bad faith. He noted that Bushra Bibi was arrested in an NAB case from Islamabad, and Adiala Jail is considered an Islamabad jail for prisoners from Islamabad. He warned the office not to raise such frivolous objections on future petitions.
It is pertinent to mention that on August 8, the Islamabad High Court adjourned the hearing of a petition filed by Bushra Bibi, the wife of former Prime Minister and PTI founder Imran Khan, against mistreatment in jail until August 12, despite being acquitted in the Iddat marriage case.
On July 13, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) issued new arrest warrants for PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in a new reference related to the Toshakhana.
A NAB team, led by Deputy Director Mohsin Haroon, arrested Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi at Adiala Jail.
According to the NAB inquiry report, the new case pertains to the illegal retention and sale of 10 valuable gifts, including 7 watches.
Subsequently, Bushra Bibi approached the Islamabad High Court regarding mistreatment during her arrest in the new Toshakhana case.
