Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi Remanded for Eight Days

In a significant development, an accountability court approved an eight-day physical remand for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in a fresh graft reference. This decision comes on the heels of their acquittal in the controversial iddat or illegal marriage case.

The couple’s recent acquittal, delivered by Additional Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka, overturned a previous conviction which had sentenced them to seven years in prison and imposed a fine of Rs500,000 each. The case revolved around the legality of their marriage, challenged by Bushra Bibi’s ex-husband, Khawar Maneka. Despite this legal victory, their immediate release was thwarted as the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) swiftly arrested them on new charges.

The new charges pertain to the alleged misuse of power for acquiring Toshakhana gifts. Following their acquittal, a team led by NAB Deputy Director Mohsin Haroon detained the couple at Adiala Jail. The accountability court’s latest order directs NAB to interrogate Khan and Bushra Bibi within the jail and mandates their appearance in court on July 22.

Khan’s lawyer, Zaheer Abbas Chaudhary, criticized the NAB’s request for a 14-day physical remand, arguing against it due to existing legal engagements in the £190 million reference. He emphasized that the couple’s arrest violated legal protocols and noted that their bail petition is currently under review by the Supreme Court.

Imran Khan has been incarcerated since August last year, following his conviction in the Toshakhana criminal case. Although granted bail in several related cases across Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Faisalabad, his legal battles continue. An anti-terrorism court recently revoked his bail in a case linked to the May 9 violence, which saw clashes between his supporters and state forces.

In June, the Islamabad High Court overturned Khan’s conviction for leaking state secrets in the cipher case, which initially resulted in a 10-year prison sentence. Additionally, high courts have suspended his sentences in two cases concerning the illegal acquisition and sale of state gifts, although these convictions remain under appeal.

The PTI had anticipated a resurgence following the Supreme Court’s declaration, allowing the party eligibility for reserved seat allocations. Khan’s release would have significantly bolstered the party’s political standing ahead of the February 8 elections. However, the accountability court’s decision to extend the remand casts a shadow over these prospects.

The ongoing legal challenges underscore the turbulent political landscape in Pakistan, with Khan’s legal battles reflecting broader tensions between his supporters and the current administration.

As the PTI navigates these legal hurdles, the outcome of the July 22 court appearance will be crucial in determining the future trajectory for Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi. Their prolonged detention and the persistent legal scrutiny continue to dominate the political discourse in Pakistan.