Bushra Bibi, the wife of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, has been released from Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail on bail after approximately nine months in custody.
Bushra Bibi’s release follows the Islamabad High Court’s (IHC) approval of bail against surety bonds valued at Rs1 million in connection with the new Toshakhana case.
The former first lady’s release occurred swiftly, merely 20 minutes after the robkar (release order) was issued, compared to the usual two-hour process. While PTI workers and media awaited her exit, she left the prison quickly without engaging with the crowd, though her vehicle was showered with flowers as she departed.
The IHC had granted bail on Wednesday; however, a judge’s absence to sign the order delayed her release until today, when Judge Shahrukh Arjumand finalized the documentation.
Bushra Bibi and her husband, who remains incarcerated, were both arrested following their conviction in January for violating government rules by retaining and selling state gifts while Khan was in power. This arrest came after their involvement in the so-called Islamic nikah case.
Read: Bushra Bibi Granted Bail in Toshakhana Case by Islamabad High Court
Despite the ongoing legal challenges, her exit from the jail marked a temporary respite from her legal troubles.
New Toshakhana Case Details:
The case revolves around accusations by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) concerning a jewellery set gifted by the Saudi crown prince during Imran Khan’s tenure as Prime Minister (2018-2022). The set included a ring, bracelet, necklace, and earrings from a visit to Saudi Arabia in May 2021.
The NAB alleges that the couple illegally retained this jewellery, which was not reported or deposited as required. The sale of parts of this set allegedly resulted in significant undervaluation and financial loss to the national exchequer, calculated at around Rs30.28 million less than the estimated value.
The ongoing inquiry, initiated on August 1, 2022, by the NAB chairman, accuses the couple of misusing their powers. The PTI founder allegedly kept 58 out of 108 gifts received during his time as Prime Minister.
