IHC orders Bushra Bibi’s transfer to Adiala jail

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) ordered on Wednesday the transfer of incarcerated former first lady Bushra Bibi to Adiala jail from the Bani Gala ‘sub-jail’.

Justice Miangul Hasan Aurangzeb annulled the notification declaring the Bani Gala residence of Bushra and PTI founder Imran Khan ‘sub-jail’, following a 10-year sentence to the couple in the Toshakhana case.

IHC reserved verdict on Bushra’s petition on May 2 after hearing arguments of both parties.

At the last hearing, Bushra’s counsel argued that there was an absence of explicit directives from the relevant authorities regarding the jail transfer adding that the notification issued by the chief commissioner is unauthorized, lacks endorsement from pertinent authorities, including the superintendent of Adiala jail, the provincial government, or the IG Jails.

Read IHC reinstates Bushra Bibi’s jail transfer plea

Justice Aurangzeb remarked “It appears that the decision to relocate Bushra Bibi to Bani Gala had been predetermined. If I am forcibly confined to my home, I would be deeply pleased. How can a prisoner's property be converted into a sub-jail against his or her will.”

Earlier in March, the IHC was informed by the Adiala jail superintendent that former premier wife can not be shifted to the prison due to 'security threats'.

"Despite the filing of a petition in the IHC, the decision to keep Bushra Bibi in solitary confinement at the Bani Gala 'sub-jail' is a shameful and malicious attempt to undermine Imran Khan," the spokesperson added.

Bushra pleaded with IHC to set aside the chief commissioner’s notification and allow her to serve her sentence like “other PTI workers” in an ordinary jail.

In her petition, she mentioned that she does not feel safe to be confined alone in the premises of the sub-jail due to potential security issues. She said there has been movement of unidentified people in her house contributing to her sense of insecurity.