Judge Muhammad Ali Warraich presided over the pre-arrest bail application of former first lady Bushra Bibi at Adiala Jail Rawalpindi today in connection with the £190 million case. The hearing comes amidst a backdrop of significant legal developments concerning her husband, former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Khan, who has been incarcerated since last August, faced convictions ahead of February’s general election, which were recently criticized by a UN human rights working group as violating international law on arbitrary imprisonment.
Both Khan and Bushra Bibi deny any wrongdoing related to allegations of financial impropriety involving a land developer in the establishment of an educational institution.
During today’s proceedings, Deputy Prosecutor General Sardar Muzaffar Abbasi argued against Bibi’s arrest, citing the absence of warrants issued by the National Accountability Bureau chairman. He emphasized that the bail application was rendered ineffective due to this procedural discrepancy, reiterating a stance held for the past 10 months.
The court adjourned further proceedings until July 5, following the completion of cross-examinations by the defence counsel on three prosecution witnesses. Overall, 27 witnesses have been cross-examined in the ongoing reference.
Meanwhile, Bushra Bibi will remain incarcerated as she serves a sentence related to her invalidated marriage to Khan. The couple has maintained that the charges against them are politically motivated, aimed at obstructing Khan’s return to power.
In related developments, the Islamabad High Court has requested a report from the government within six weeks regarding an audio leaks case. Additionally, Imran Khan’s hopes for release were dashed as a court upheld his sentence in an iddat case.
Recent months have seen Pakistani courts suspending Khan’s jail sentences in two cases involving the illegal acquisition and sale of state gifts, while overturning his conviction for leaking state secrets. Nevertheless, the former cricket star continues to face numerous other legal battles.
