Bushra Bibi, the wife of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, was released from Adiala Jail on Thursday after being granted bail by the Islamabad High Court (IHC) in the Toshakhana jewellery case. This marks the end of her nearly nine-month detention following her arrest on January 31, 2024.
The Toshakhana case revolves around allegations that Bushra Bibi and Imran Khan retained an expensive Bvlgari jewellery set, valued at Rs71.5 million, for just Rs2.9 million. The jewellery, gifted by a foreign leader, was allegedly acquired at an undervalued price, causing significant financial loss to the state exchequer.
A day ago, the IHC had approved Bushra’s bail in the same case, following which a special court issued her release orders today. Special Judge (Central) Shahrukh Arjumand issued her release orders. The court ruled that if she was not wanted in any other case, she should be released on confirmation of bail.
Bushra Bibi had been in custody at Adiala Jail alongside her husband, PTI founder Imran Khan, who was arrested in a separate Toshakhana case on August 5 last year.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party celebrated Bushra’s release, praising her courage during her time in detention. Speaking outside the jail, PTI Chairman Gohar Khan commended her strength and said she had “endured jail for nine months in extreme conditions.” He also expressed hope for Imran Khan’s release soon, dismissing rumors of any deal behind her release.
IHC Orders Imran Khan’s Production in Court
Meanwhile, the IHC has ordered the Adiala Jail authorities to produce Imran Khan in court by 3 p.m. on Thursday. Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan expressed concern over the Punjab government’s ban on prisoner meetings, which has been extended indefinitely, and summoned the interior ministry’s joint secretary to explain the security concerns behind the restriction.
The court criticized the jail authorities for violating court orders and failing to allow meetings with Imran’s lawyers. The judge ordered a virtual meeting between Imran and his legal team and directed the jail officials to present Imran in court if the security concerns could not be justified.
Toshakhana Case History
The Toshakhana reference, transferred to the FIA special court after the Supreme Court upheld amendments to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) laws, accuses Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi of retaining state gifts, including the jewellery set, without proper valuation or purchase. The couple has been charged with acquiring undervalued gifts totaling over Rs142 million, with 58 out of 108 gifts allegedly retained illegally during Imran Khan’s premiership.
Bushra Bibi’s release follows a lengthy legal battle, while the case against her and Imran Khan continues in the courts.
