'Bushra Bibi only delivering messages, not involved in politics': Faisal Chaudhry

Faisal Chaudhry, the lawyer representing the founding chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, has said that Bushra Bibi, Imran Khan’s wife, was only used for passing messages and is not participating in politics.

In a media interaction outside Adiala Jail, Faisal Chaudhry stated that Bushra Bibi was tasked with conveying messages from the PTI's founding chairman to party leaders, as Imran Khan was being denied permission to meet political figures, Express News reported.

“Khan Sahib is not sitting in Bani Gala; he is in jail, and even there, his access has been cut off,” Faisal Chaudhry explained. “When such conditions are created, messages will be sent through someone.”

Faisal Chaudhry further criticised the government’s actions, accusing them of restricting political freedoms and transparency.

“After the statement by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), both the NAB chairman and the investigation officer should resign,” he demanded.

According to him, Imran Khan had not been given a fair trial, with the cases against him being politically motivated.

“The judiciary has been turned into a government institution, and post the 26th Amendment, it has become a kangaroo court,” he added.

Faisal Chaudhry pointed to the 'difficulties faced by the opposition parties' and the political committee’s efforts to align them with PTI’s cause.

In an attempt to rally support, Imran Khan had urged the nation to stand up, stating that democracy is under threat, despite what Chaudhry described as the absence of democracy in Pakistan. He further accused judges Qazi Faez Isa and Sikandar Sultan Raja of being involved in a deliberate effort to undermine PTI.

Yesterday, NAB requested the Islamabad High Court to nullify sentences handed down to former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, and to remand the case for further proceedings.

NAB prosecutor, Amjad Pervez stated that he disagreed with the manner in which the trial and sentencing were conducted, admitting that he had already called for suspending the sentences.

Barrister Ali Zafar requested exemption for his clients from appearing in person, to which Justice Farooq responded, “Don’t worry, we’ll order it.” Pervez expressed no objection to the exemption request.

Barrister Zafar argued that the trial process was flawed, describing it as a "jail trial" with rushed proceedings that violated his clients' rights. He highlighted that on January 29, the right to cross-examination was cut short, and Bushra Bibi’s statement was recorded late at night.

Following Zafar's arguments, Justice Farooq directed him to consult further with Imran Khan regarding the prosecutor’s remand request, warning, “If you oppose NAB’s proposal, we will rule on merit.”

Justice Aurangzeb added that if technical errors are ignored, the court could choose between ordering a retrial or addressing the case’s merits directly.

Zafar responded, asserting that the sentencing decision “cannot stand.” The court adjourned the hearing until November 21, instructing Zafar to present a clear stance on NAB’s proposal by then.