IHC warns Bushra Bibi’s bail could be revoked over absence in trial court

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ruled that the bail granted to Bushra Bibi, wife of PTI founder Imran Khan, in the Toshakhana case can be revoked if she fails to appear before the trial court. Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb issued the warning while disposing of a petition filed by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), which sought the annulment of Bushra Bibi’s bail.
The FIA argued that Bushra Bibi was misusing the bail concession granted by the court. The former first lady was granted bail on October 23 in a case accusing her and her husband of the illegal sale of state gifts. However, her repeated absence from court hearings has drawn criticism.
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Special Judge (Central) Shahrukh Arjumand issued arrest warrants for Bushra Bibi on December 5 due to her continued non-appearance. During the IHC hearing, Justice Aurangzeb asked her counsel, Barrister Salman Safdar, to provide records of the trial court’s proceedings and questioned if exemptions from attendance were formally sought for her absences.
Barrister Safdar informed the court that 15 hearings had been held since October 23, with Bushra Bibi appearing only on November 8. He noted that exemptions were requested for some hearings, while others were canceled due to the judge’s leave or other procedural delays.
Justice Aurangzeb emphasized the importance of taking such cases seriously and remarked, “Is Bushra Bibi not in your control?” While the court dismissed the FIA’s petition, it clarified that the trial court has the authority to revoke her bail if she fails to comply with court orders.
Background: Toshakhana Jewellery Case
The case revolves around allegations that Bushra Bibi and Imran Khan violated the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Ordinance by failing to deposit an expensive jewellery set in the Toshakhana, a state depository for gifts.
The NAB reference claims the jewellery, which included a necklace valued at €300,000 and earrings worth €80,000, was not deposited in the Toshakhana as required. Instead, it was retained by the couple. The estimated value of the jewellery in 2021 was Rs70.56 million, with a required deposit amount of Rs35.28 million.
The reference accuses the former prime minister and his wife of retaining 58 out of 108 gifts during Imran Khan’s tenure, violating Toshakhana rules and abusing their official positions.
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