By On Tuesday, a Rawalpindi Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) ruled to discharge Bushra Bibi, the wife of imprisoned PTI founder Imran Khan, from all 12 cases related to the violent events of May 9, 2023. This decision comes in the wake of significant unrest that followed Khan’s arrest.
The disturbances began when paramilitary Rangers apprehended Imran Khan from the Islamabad High Court, where he was appearing for a corruption case. His arrest sparked widespread protests across Pakistan. The demonstrations quickly escalated into severe riots and acts of vandalism. Key sites of unrest included the Lahore Corps Commander’s residence and the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, both of which were targeted by the protesters. The scale of the violence was substantial, with social media flooded with images and videos of the destruction.
In the days leading up to Tuesday’s ruling, the ATC had previously rejected multiple petitions seeking post-arrest bail for Bushra Bibi. The court had also instructed the police to complete their investigation into the related cases within a week. Additionally, a petition seeking detailed information about the charges against Bushra was referred to the Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) by Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, ATC Judge Malik Ejaz Asif reviewed the evidence and decided to discharge Bushra Bibi from the 12 cases associated with the May 9 riots. This decision marks a significant development in the legal battles surrounding Khan and his associates.
Following the court’s ruling, Bushra’s lawyer, Salman Safdar, spoke to the media outside Adiala Jail. Safdar revealed that the Rawalpindi police had sought a physical remand for Bushra, a request which was ultimately denied by the court. He also indicated that today’s ruling could have broader implications for the ongoing legal cases involving Imran Khan, potentially influencing the outcome of his legal troubles.
The discharge of Bushra Bibi from these cases is a pivotal moment in the broader context of the political and legal turmoil surrounding Imran Khan and the PTI party. The decision may impact future legal proceedings and the political landscape in Pakistan.
