Bushra Bibi, the spouse of PTI founder Imran Khan, has taken legal action by petitioning the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to overturn the decision that transformed her Banigala residence into a sub-jail. She is advocating for her transfer to the conventional confines of Adiala Jail, following the couple’s conviction in the Toshakhana reference, which led to a 14-year imprisonment sentence over charges related to the retention of valuable jewelry, and an additional seven-year sentence for marrying during the ‘Iddat’ period.
Despite Imran Khan’s incarceration at Adiala Jail, a late-night governmental directive on January 31st converted the Banigala residence into a sub-jail for Bushra, per the jail superintendent’s request. This move was reinforced by police deployment around the premises to ensure security, amid swirling rumors of a potential deal that might have influenced the decision for house arrest, which Imran Khan refuted.
Bushra Bibi, asserting her stance as a law-abiding citizen, expressed her desire to serve her sentence in Adiala Jail, akin to other convicts, citing safety concerns and the irregular presence of unidentified individuals around her Banigala residence as key reasons for her plea. She emphasizes that the unique treatment contradicts the principles of equality and justice.
Her petition, which includes the chief commissioner of Islamabad, the superintendent of Adiala Jail, the inspector general of Punjab prisons, and the state as respondents, highlights her ordeal on January 31st. Despite her readiness to surrender to Adiala Jail authorities, she was redirected to her residence, now deemed a sub-jail, without her consent.
The plea underscores the logistical challenges and security risks associated with her current house arrest and calls for a reassessment of her confinement location in favor of a more conventional penal setting to uphold the tenets of justice and equality.
