IHC Grants Post-Arrest Bail to Former First Lady Bushra Bibi in Toshakhana Case
- Abeera Marium Siddiqui
- October 23, 2024
- 4:25 pm
- 43
- Current Affairs
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) recently granted bail to Bushra Bibi, wife of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, in the high-profile Toshakhana case. The decision came as a relief for the former first lady, who has faced allegations surrounding the handling of state gifts. Justice Mian Gul Hassan Aurangzeb approved her bail, requiring a bond of Rs1 million. This move temporarily frees Bushra Bibi from the legal pressure that has surrounded her, while many await the next steps in this controversial case.
Toshakhana Case Overview
The Toshakhana case centers on allegations that Bushra Bibi and her husband, Imran Khan, sold state gifts improperly, violating accountability laws. The case involves a luxury jewelry set, including a necklace, bracelet, ring, and earrings, gifted by the Saudi crown prince during Imran Khan’s term as prime minister. According to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), this set was never properly deposited in the state’s Toshakhana (treasury for gifts). The case has been ongoing since August and has drawn significant media attention, with many focusing on the details of the alleged sale and possession of these items.
Hearing Highlights
During the hearing, Justice Aurangzeb questioned the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) about whether further interrogation of Bushra Bibi was necessary. The FIA officer confirmed, “No additional investigation was required,” which paved the way for the court to grant her bail. The judge referenced how state gifts are handled in other countries, mentioning, “The British Prime Minister had also taken gifts home, citing regulations,” and noting that places like Azerbaijan display gifts in museums. These comparisons were key in evaluating the treatment of similar situations abroad.
Jewellery Set Controversy
A significant part of the Toshakhana case revolves around the luxury jewelry set that Bushra Bibi allegedly kept without following due process. NAB claims that this set, which included high-value pieces, was not properly documented or deposited in the Toshakhana as required by law. During the hearing, the FIA prosecutor, Umair Majeed, emphasized, “A gift remains the property of the state until legally purchased,” and stressed the need for a proper auction to determine the market value. On the other hand, Bushra Bibi’s legal team argued that the investigation lacked transparency and fairness, adding that the accusations are baseless. This ongoing dispute over the proper valuation and handling of the set is central to the case.
Impact of the Bail Decision
The IHC’s decision to grant bail is a critical turning point in the case, as Bushra Bibi is now expected to be released soon. Sources suggest that “the former first lady is neither wanted nor is under arrest in any other case,” clearing the way for her release once the bail bond is submitted. This temporary freedom comes after months of legal entanglements and time spent behind bars at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail.
Meanwhile, the indictment proceedings against Bushra Bibi and Imran Khan, which were scheduled for the same day, faced delays. The hearing, initially set to take place at Adiala Jail, was later moved to Islamabad’s Judicial Complex due to security concerns. Even with the change in location, safety concerns remained, leading to another postponement. Now, the indictment is set for October 26, adding to the suspense surrounding the case’s outcome.
