Former first lady Bushra Bibi has approached the Islamabad High Court (IHC) seeking better prison conditions at Adiala Jail, where she is currently serving a seven-year sentence. In her plea, she emphasized her entitlement to specific jail facilities under the Pakistan Prison Rules, 1978, citing her public profile and former status as the spouse of ex-prime minister Imran Khan.
Request for Facilities Under Prison Rules
Bushra Bibi, through her legal counsel, requested the court to direct jail authorities to ensure the provision of facilities as mandated by law. She urged the court to hold the jail administration accountable for failing to act on the application.
Reference to Precedent in Imran Khan’s Case
The petition draws a parallel with Imran Khan, who is also incarcerated at Adiala Jail in connection with the same case. Bushra argued that since the court had already granted her husband improved jail conditions, she should receive equal treatment. Her lawyers asserted that her prior position as first lady and her lifestyle at the Prime Minister House justified her eligibility for such accommodations.
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Respondents Named in Petition
Bushra Bibi named the federal government, the superintendent of Adiala Jail, and Islamabad’s chief commissioner as respondents. The petition urges the court to direct these parties to uphold their responsibilities as outlined in the prison rules.
Background: The £190 Million Case
In December 2019, Khan’s cabinet approved the confidential agreement without disclosing the terms of the settlement. It was agreed that the amount would be deposited in the Supreme Court account. However, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) alleges that Khan and Bushra Bibi personally benefited from the settlement.
Land Allegedly Received in Return
According to NAB officials, the couple allegedly received a massive land allotment in exchange for approving the deal. The land, reportedly worth billions of rupees, was earmarked for an educational institution. Authorities claim that this transaction violated transparency and accountability protocols.
On December 1, 2023, NAB filed a reference against eight individuals, including Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi.
Legal Battle Continues
As the case proceeds, the IHC’s decision will not only determine Bushra Bibi’s immediate prison conditions but may also set a precedent for the treatment of high-profile prisoners under Pakistan’s penal system.
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