Court grants Bushra Bibi exemption from Toshakhana case hearing

However, the court has directed Bushra Bibi to ensure her presence at the next hearing

By Khalid Iqbal
November 06, 2024
Bushra Bibi signs a surety bond for bail in various cases at the registrar office at the Lahore High Court on July 17, 2023. — AFP
Bushra Bibi signs a surety bond for bail in various cases at the registrar office at the Lahore High Court on July 17, 2023. — AFP

RAWALPINDI: Special Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand has granted a petition exempting Bushra Bibi from attending the latest Toshakhana case against her husband, the former chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, regarding the acquisition of expensive jewellery from a company.

However, the court has directed Bushra Bibi to ensure her presence at the next hearing. During Tuesday’s hearing at Adiala jail, lawyers for the accused presented arguments on the acquittal petitions, while FIA lawyer Zulfiqar Abbas Naqvi opposed the acquittal of both the former chairman and Bushra Bibi, arguing that the petitions were an attempt to delay the indictment process.

The FIA lawyer said the court had set three to four dates for the indictment, but it had not been allowed to proceed, urging the court to indict the accused. On this occasion, the accused’s lawyer, Barrister Suleman Safdar requested additional time to submit some documents for acquittal. The court adjourned the case until November 8 and instructed that arguments on the acquittal pleas be completed at the next hearing.