ATC extends bail to Bushra Bibi, other PTI leaders

ISLAMABAD: The Anti-Terrorism Court, presided over by Judge Abul Hasanat Zulqarnain, extended the pre-arrest bail of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, including Bushra Bibi, and barred the authorities from arresting all accused individuals in the relevant cases until January 19, 2026.

On Wednesday during the hearing of pre-arrest bail applications for 256 PTI leaders and workers, including Bushra Bibi, in various cases related to protests and other incidents, PTI leaders Junaid Akbar, Abdul Qayyum Niazi, Shehryar Afridi, and others appeared in court. Applications for exemption from attendance were filed on behalf of Omar Ayub, Shibli Faraz, Zartaj Gul, and Shahram Tarakai.

During the proceedings, Judge Abul Hasanat Zulqarnain remarked, “I do not think this year is good,” to which PTI lawyers responded with smiles, saying, “Sir, if this year is not good, then set a date for next year.” The court subsequently adjourned the hearing on all bail applications until January 19, 2026.

Various cases have been registered against PTI leaders in connection with the protests on November 26, and October 4, 2024, the Sangjani Jalsa, and demonstrations outside the Supreme Court.