7 cases filed against Bushra under Telegraph Act, Peca-2016, blasphemy charges

LAHORE: Seven cases have been registered against Bushra Bibi, the wife of former premier and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan, in different cities of Punjab under the Telegraph Act 1885, Prevention of Electronic Crime Act 2016 (Peca-2016) and other provisions of the law over her video statement involving Saudi Arabia.

One case each was registered at Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah and Rajanpur police stations under the Telegraph Act 1885 over her video statement in the wee hours of Saturday.

Complainant Yaseen reported Darkhast Jamal Khan police that a video statement of Bushra Bibi hurt the feelings of Pakistani nation. On such intentions, a case should be registered against her. Darkhast Jamal Khan police lodged a case against her under the Telegraph Act 1885.

Similarly, Rajanpur Border Military police also lodged an FIR against Bushra Bibi under Section 126 of the Telegraph Act 1885 upon the complaint of Hakim with the plea that it was a high-level conspiracy against the country and the nation. She was also booked in another case at Layyah under the Telegraph Act 1885.

In Multan, the Qutabpur police registered a case against Bushra Bibi under the Prevention of Electronic Crime Act 2016 (PECA-2016), police said. Umair Maqsood lodged his complaint with the police, stating that he came to know through social media that Bushra Bibi was spreading hatred against Pakistan Army, Pakistan’s brotherly Islamic country Saudi Arabia and former chief of army staff Gen (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa. She tried to spread religious hatred.

The Qutabpur police registered case No. 2633/24 and included Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) Section 298 PPC. This section deals with punishment for disrespecting the family, wives and companions of Holy Prophet (PBUH). The punishment for the crime is a minimum of three years in prison and a nominal penalty. It is a bailable crime.

The PPC also includes sections 295-A and 296, which deal with malicious acts and deliberate actions that intend to outrage the religious feelings of any class. These acts include using derogatory remarks in respect of Holy personages.

In Gujranwala, two cases were registered against Bushra Bibi at two police stations under serious provisions. The Civil Lines police station registered a case against her under the PECA-2016 on the complaint of a resident of Hamidpur Kalan.

It was stated in the FIR that he was watching a private TV channel on which Bushra Bibi’s statement was being broadcast. He said her video statement was tantamount to inflicting a blow to long-standing relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and fueling religious hatred.

Earlier, Sadar Gujranwala police registered a case under the provisions of the Telegraph Act against Bushra Bibi on the complaint of Muhammad Ali, a resident of Bakhtewala.

An FIR was registered at Bahawalnagar City B-Division police station against Bushra Bibi. The FIR was filed on the complaint of Muhammad Asif, a resident of Model Town in Bahawalnagar.

According to the text of the complaint, Bushra Bibi’s statement was termed a conspiracy against the country. The case was registered under the provisions of Telegraph Act, citing a violation of its terms.