Islamabad court rejects Bushra Bibi's bail in three cases

ISLAMABAD:

A local court in Islamabad rejected the interim bail applications of Bushra Bibi in three cases related to the November 26 protests, while extending her interim bail in one case. The hearing was conducted by Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka, who reviewed the pre-arrest bail petitions in three cases.

Prosecutor Iqbal Kakhtar and Bushra Bibi's lawyer, Khalid Yousaf Chaudhry, appeared in court. During the hearing, Khalid Yousaf Chaudhry submitted an exemption request, to which the prosecutor responded that the required surety bonds had not yet been submitted. The judge reminded the lawyer that the surety bonds had not been filed. In response, the lawyer stated that there was a decision regarding the £190 million reference, and Bushra Bibi needed to appear in Adiala Jail.

Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka remarked that the court's orders were not being followed, and therefore, the three bail requests were dismissed. Meanwhile, Additional District and Sessions Judge Chaudhry Amir Zia heard another bail petition in a separate case. Bushra Bibi's lawyer, Ansar Kiyani, appeared before the court and informed that a decision regarding the £190 million case was expected, and Bushra Bibi had to appear in jail. The accountability court had ordered her presence. The prosecutor requested that the bail petition be granted to ensure her attendance.

The court reserved its decision on the interim bail extension and later granted her exemption from attendance, extending the interim bail. The hearing was adjourned until January 23. Bushra Bibi is facing charges at the Ramna Police Station.