An accountability court in Rawalpindi issued a non-bailable arrest warrant for former first lady Bushra Bibi on Friday. The court cited her continuous absence from hearings in the £190 million graft case.
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) filed a corruption reference in December last year. The case accused Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and seven others, including his wife, Bushra Bibi, of misusing public funds.
The allegations claim the couple obtained billions of rupees and land from Bahria Town Ltd to legalize Rs50 billion. This amount was recovered by the UK and returned to Pakistan during the PTI government.
The couple was indicted in February. The Islamabad High Court (IHC) remanded the case to the accountability court earlier this month, directing it to issue a decision.
Imran Khan Defends Bushra Bibi Amid Saudi Arabia Controversy
Hearing Details and Arrest Warrant
Accountability Judge Nasir Javed Rana presided over the hearing at Adiala Jail. Bushra Bibi, citing medical reasons, requested an exemption but failed to appear.
The judge adjourned the hearing to November 26 and issued her non-bailable arrest warrant. The order directed NAB Deputy Director Mian Umar Nadeem to ensure her arrest and production in court at the next hearing.
The warrant stated Bushra Bibi had been “deliberately avoiding court appearances.”
Bushra Bibi’s Detention and Bail History
Bushra Bibi was previously released from Adiala Jail on October 24. She had been detained since January 31 after being convicted in the Toshakhana case.
The Peshawar High Court extended her protective bail until December 23. The court also directed authorities not to arrest her in any other cases until that date.
Imran Khan’s Legal Struggles Continue
Separately, Imran Khan was granted bail in a new Toshakhana case by the IHC on Wednesday. His lawyer, Khalid Yousaf Chaudry, confirmed that his release order was issued on Friday.
The release order was submitted to Adiala Jail’s administration. However, Khan remains in custody due to bail requirements in nearly two dozen other cases. He was also arrested late Wednesday on terrorism charges related to a September protest.
CM Gandapur Declared Absconder
In a separate development, Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra declared Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur a proclaimed absconder.
The order, issued Thursday, stated Gandapur had “deliberately concealed himself to avoid arrest.” It was linked to a case registered at I-9 police station in Islamabad.
The declaration underscores a broader legal crackdown involving several PTI leaders and their alleged misconduct.
Bushra Bibi is expected to be arrested and presented in court on November 26. Imran Khan faces continued legal challenges while remaining in custody. The PTI’s legal troubles intensify amid escalating political tensions in Pakistan.
Follow Day News on Google News, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Whats App, and TikTok for latest updates