Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) senior leader Omar Ayub dismissed rumours of any agreement related to the recent release of Bushra Bibi, the wife of PTI founder Imran Khan. Speaking to journalists in Sargodha on Friday, Ayub, who is also the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, stated, “Bushra Bibi’s release is not part of any deal.”
Bushra Bibi was originally sentenced to 14 years in prison in January 2024 in the Toshakhana case. She was accused of retaining and selling government gifts against legal protocols during Khan’s tenure. Her incarceration continued for nearly nine months at Adiala Jail due to a separate case, Toshakhana-2, filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). Recently, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) granted her bail, allowing her release upon the submission of surety bonds worth Rs1 million.
Swift Release Process
Following the issuance of a robkar (release order), Bushra Bibi’s release was notably swift. Though standard procedure takes around two hours, she was released in just 20 minutes. Security forces were stationed around the jail to ensure her safe departure, which went smoothly with her vehicle exiting quickly through Gate No. 5 and proceeding towards Bani Gala.
Omar Ayub’s remarks came a day after Senator Faisal Vawda publicly claimed that Bushra’s release was part of a deal. In a television interview on Thursday, Vawda asserted, “Bushra Bibi is being freed 100% as part of a deal, and this is all part of the plan.” He further accused PTI leaders of betraying Khan, saying they “pushed Imran Khan into the fire” and had “sold out” by siding with the government. Vawda specifically mentioned senior PTI figures, including Ali Amin Gandapur, for allegedly being absent during crucial times.
PTI’s Response to Allegations
Ayub firmly denied Vawda’s claims, emphasizing that Bushra’s release was lawful, not political. He condemned the rumours, insisting there was no hidden agenda or bargain. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan also backed Ayub’s stance, reiterating that Bushra Bibi’s release was solely on merit. He argued that had there been a deal, Bushra would not have spent months in jail. Gohar expressed hope for Imran Khan’s release soon, claiming it too would be based on judicial merit.
Future Protests and Negotiations
Omar Ayub also addressed PTI’s plans to protest the “stolen” February 8 elections. He confirmed the party’s intention to continue negotiations with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, aiming for a resolution to the ongoing political turmoil. Ayub emphasized that PTI remained steadfast in its commitment to fair representation and justice.
Despite ongoing allegations, PTI leaders continue to assert that the party remains dedicated to its founding ideals. Ayub highlighted that Bushra’s release was unrelated to any political compromise, aligning with the party’s commitment to transparency.
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