IHC suspends FIA summons notice to Bushra Bibi

Seeks a reply from the agency over former first lady's plea


Naeem Asghar September 23, 2023
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi. PHOTO: FILE

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ISLAMABAD:

Justice Babar Sattar of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday suspended the Federal Investigation Agency's (FIA) summons notice to Bushra Bibi, the wife of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, and sought a reply from the agency.

The FIA had summoned Bushra Bibi for her voice-matching test in relation to a leaked audio in which she allegedly asked Zulfi Bukhari, a former minister, to sell watches acquired by the former prime minister from Toshakhana.

In the alleged audio, Bushra Bibi criticised the media for broadcasting it, stating that it was tarnishing her reputation and causing harassment.

The plea filed by advocate Sardar Latif Khosa argued that the main case was already pending before the court and on September 18, the court directed the FIA to act in accordance with the law. The advocate stated that if the FIA continues with the proceedings, it will affect the rights of the petitioner.

In her petition challenging the FIA investigation into the leaked audio case, Bushra Bibi emphasised that the main case was already being heard in the IHC. The court had previously instructed the FIA to proceed accordingly during a hearing on September 18.

The petition further highlighted that the main case is scheduled for another hearing on October 30.

Despite this ongoing legal process, the FIA issued a summons notice on September 19.
In her petition, Bushra Bibi implored the court to suspend the FIA's notice while the main case remained pending, stating that the agency's actions could infringe upon her rights

The IHC subsequently temporarily halted the proceedings and requested a reply from the FIA.

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