The Islamabad High Court (IHC) rejected Bushra Bibi’s request to transfer from Bani Gala to Adiala jail, citing non-compliance.
Bushra Bibi, the wife of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, had filed a petition seeking transfer from Bani Gala to Adiala jail.
However, the court dismissed the plea due to non-compliance and expressed dissatisfaction with Bushra Bibi’s lawyer for failing to appear in court.
Justice Mian Gil Hassan Aurangzeb ordered the cancellation of Bushra Bibi’s plea.
Earlier, Bushra Bibi filed a petition with the Islamabad High Court (IHC) challenging the notification designating her Banigala residence as a sub-jail. She requested to be transferred to Adiala Jail instead.
Last week, both Imran and Bushra Bibi were handed 14-year jail terms in the Toshakhana reference for allegedly retaining expensive jewelry at a nominal price. Additionally, they were convicted of “contracting marriage during the ‘Iddat’ (waiting) period” and received a seven-year sentence. While Imran remains incarcerated at Adiala Jail, Bushra’s Banigala residence was converted into a sub-jail by a government notification on January 31, upon the jail superintendent’s request.
Speculations arose regarding a potential deal leading to Bushra’s imprisonment at Banigala. However, Imran dismissed these rumors, stating they were not seeking any deals. Bushra mentioned indirect contact from the military establishment but described the initial dialogue as futile and avoided further communication.
In her petition, Bushra expressed her desire to serve her sentence, like any other convict, at Adiala Jail. She named various officials, including Islamabad’s chief commissioner and the Adiala Jail superintendent, as respondents.
The petition detailed Bushra’s attempt to surrender at Adiala Jail on January 31, where she was kept waiting from 10 am to 9 pm. Eventually, she was informed that her residence had been declared a sub-jail without her consent. Bushra stressed her willingness to serve her sentence in an ordinary jail and cited concerns about security issues and unidentified individuals’ presence around Banigala.
The petition argued that the notification contradicted principles of justice and equality under Islam, as each citizen should receive equal treatment. It also highlighted logistical challenges for Bushra’s appearance in the Al-Qadir Trust case hearing on February 10.
