Eight-day remand of Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi approved

Prospects for release of former PM and his wife were dashed when NAB arrested them in a new Toshakhana reference

RAWALPINDI:

An accountability court on Sunday approved an eight-day physical remand for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in a new Toshakhana reference filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), ordering their reappearance on July 22.

Yesterday, the former premier and his wife were acquitted in the Iddat case by a sessions court, the verdict came out less than 24 hours after the top court ruled in favour of PTI on reserved seats.

The court's short order stated to release Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi immediately unless they were wanted in other cases.

Imran Khan was technically being termed as a free man, however, PTI's relief was short-lived as the accountability watchdog arrested the PTI supremo in a new Toshakhana reference. Bushra Bibi was also rearrested in this case when she was being released from Gate No. 3 of Adiala Jail.

Today, Judge Muhammad Ali Warraich of the accountability court conducted the hearing at Adiala Jail. NAB Deputy Director Mohsin Haroon requested the physical remand of both individuals.

Initially, the court granted a 6-day remand. However, following an appeal by Imran Khan’s lawyer, Chaudhry Zaheer Abbas, the judge extended the remand to eight days. Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi will remain in Adiala Jail during this period.

In the new NAB reference, the couple is accused of purchasing a jewellery set from the Toshakhana and selling it. The set is valued at Rs75 million.

The PTI's legal counsel said that the couple is scheduled to be presented again on July 22.