PHC Extends Bushra Bibi’s Protective Bail Until January 16
The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Wednesday extended the protective bail of Bushra Bibi, wife of imprisoned former prime minister and PTI chairman Imran Khan, in cases registered against her. The court directed law enforcement agencies not to arrest her until January 16.
The bench, comprising Justice Sahibzada Asadullah and Justice Wiqar Ahmad, also granted Bushra Bibi exemption from appearing in court regarding two petitions she filed. These petitions requested details of FIRs and inquiries involving her and sought an order preventing her arrest or harassment without due legal process or the court’s prior permission.
Bushra Bibi’s lawyer, Alam Khan Adenzai, informed the bench that she was unable to attend the hearing as she was required to appear in the Toshakhana 2.0 case in Islamabad. He submitted an application requesting exemption from her appearance.
Reports Filed in Court
Additional Attorney General Sanaullah Khan confirmed that two of Bushra Bibi’s petitions, seeking details of cases against her, were scheduled for hearing. He stated that a report had been submitted and he was prepared to argue the maintainability of the petitions.
Special Deputy Prosecutor General of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Mohammad Ali reported that Bushra Bibi was named in three cases. The court extended her protective bail and adjourned the hearing until January 16.
Alam Khan Adenzai stated that Bushra Bibi was released from Adiala Jail in October after months of imprisonment in what he called fabricated cases. He alleged that additional false cases had since been registered against her by the federal and Punjab governments, the details of which she was unaware.
Relief Granted to Sher Afzal Marwat
The court also extended the interim pre-arrest bail of PTI MNA Sher Afzal Khan Marwat until February 11, restraining police from arresting him in cases registered across various parts of the province.
The bench directed the provincial government to provide updates on the cases against him, including the number withdrawn and those still pending.
Marwat had earlier filed petitions to quash multiple FIRs, claiming 19 cases were registered against him, of which seven had been withdrawn. He said he was unaware of the locations of some police stations where cases were filed, including Jabbar (Mardan).
Civil Disobedience Threat
Speaking to reporters outside the high court, Marwat hinted at a possible civil disobedience movement if all options to resolve issues were exhausted. He called for clarity on the recent firing incident during PTI’s protest in Islamabad and accused state institutions of overstepping constitutional limits.
He denied reports of divisions within the PTI, reaffirming Imran Khan’s position as the party’s undisputed leader. Marwat urged the federal government to resume negotiations with PTI on issues related to the May 9 incidents and the party’s alleged stolen electoral mandate.
