Bushra Bibi's bail pleas dismissed in November 26 protest cases

Former first lady faces legal setback as pre-arrest bail petitions are rejected.

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A local court in Islamabad on Monday dismissed three pre-arrest bail petitions filed by Bushra Bibi, wife of former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan.

Additional Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka heard the petitions on cases linked to the November 26 protests, Express News reported.

Prosecutor Iqbal Kakhar and defence counsel Khalid Yousaf Chaudhry appeared in court during the proceedings.

Bushra Bibi’s lawyer submitted an application seeking exemption from appearance.

The prosecutor argued that Bushra Bibi failed to submit surety bonds as required. The judge expressed concern, stating, “You have not yet submitted the surety bonds. You are not complying with the court's orders.”

Defence counsel Khalid Yousaf Chaudhry responded that Bushra Bibi had to appear in court for a decision on the £90 million reference and was required to visit Adiala Jail.

Judge Majoka subsequently dismissed the bail pleas, noting that the interim bail previously granted to Bushra Bibi was valid only until the date of the hearing. The cases against her stem from her alleged involvement in protests held on November 26.

An accountability court in Rawalpindi on Monday postponed the announcement of its verdict for the third time in the £190 million case involving former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi.

Judge Nasir Javed Rana said that the verdict had been deferred due to the absence of the accused and their legal representatives, Express News reported.

The judge stated that although he arrived at the court at 8:30 am and issued two summons for Imran Khan to appear, both Khan and Bushra Bibi failed to show up.