The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has disposed of a petition filed by Bushra Bibi, ex-premier Imran Khan’s wife, seeking her transfer from her Banigala residence to Adiala Jail. The plea was dismissed due to the absence of Bushra Bibi’s lawyers during the hearing, presided over by Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb.
Bushra Bibi, who was taken into custody on January 31 after being sentenced to 14 years in jail in the Toshakhana reference along with Khan, had challenged her confinement at the Banigala residence, declared a sub-jail. Although the IHC suspended their sentences in the Toshakhana reference, Bushra Bibi remains in custody in the Iddat case, while Khan is held in other cases.
Bushra had attempted to surrender at Adiala Jail but was instead transferred to her Banigala home, sparking controversy over the status of the residence as a sub-jail.
Despite a previous challenge to her residence’s sub-jail status, Bushra Bibi filed another petition alleging violations of her fundamental rights during her incarceration, including claims of poisoning, psychological torture, and inadequate facilities at the sub-jail.
During the hearing, Justice Aurangzeb expressed dissatisfaction with the absence of Bushra Bibi’s lawyers and remarked on the seriousness of the case. He noted the absence of representation despite previous warnings that the matter would be decided during the hearing.
The court was informed of a meeting arranged between Bushra and Imran at Eid-ul-Fitr, but Justice Aurangzeb criticised both sides for not actively pursuing the case and accused them of politicising the proceedings.
Following the absence of Bushra Bibi’s legal team, the IHC disposed of the petition. However, Bushra’s counsel, Usman Gill, later arrived at the court and expressed intention to file an application to restore the petition.
In a separate petition filed on her behalf the day before, Bushra Bibi detailed alleged violations of her rights in the sub-jail, including claims of being poisoned, lack of privacy due to surveillance, and inadequate medical attention. She requested the court to ensure protection of her fundamental rights and allow a medical check-up at Shaukat Khanam Memorial Hospital.