Bushra Bibi faces arrest warrants in Toshakhana case, surety notified

English , Pakistan - پاکستان , Snippets , / Thursday, December 5th, 2024

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Arrest warrants have been issued for Bushra Bibi, the wife of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding chairman, following her failure to appear in court. The Special Judge of Islamabad, Shahrukh Arjumand, conducted the hearing in the Adiala Jail, where both former PTI chairman Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were expected. Public Prosecutor Syed Zulfiqar Abbas Naqvi and his team were also present. Bushra Bibi has been absent from 10 consecutive hearings, leading the court to express frustration at her continued absence. As a result, the court issued non-bailable arrest warrants for her and adjourned the hearing until December 9. The court also notified Bushra Bibi’s surety, directing them to appear at the next hearing. The judge warned that if Bushra Bibi continues to remain absent, her bail could be revoked, and the surety bonds might be forfeited. Earlier, an Additional District and Sessions Judge had extended Bushra Bibi’s and former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s interim bail in the Toshakhana fake receipts case until November 4. Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka had presided over the hearing of six pre-arrest bail applications submitted by Imran Khan and one by Bushra Bibi, extending their interim bail until December 7. Bushra Bibi’s request for an exemption from that day’s appearance was accepted, while Imran Khan was not presented via video link, despite the court’s directive. The investigation officer had requested additional time to verify the Toshakhana receipts. It is noteworthy that Imran Khan, the founder of PTI, and Bushra Bibi had been named as suspects in the Toshakhana fake receipts case. Imran Khan was also implicated in cases related to five protests, vandalism, and other charges. The PTI founder and Bushra Bibi had approached the court seeking pre-arrest bail.