Judge also grants Bushra Bibi pre-arrest bail in Ramna protest and vandalism case against Rs50,000 bond
Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka heard six pre-arrest bail applications of the PTI founder and one of Bushra Bibi. PHOTO: FILE
ISLAMABAD:
A local court in Islamabad on Tuesday approved pre-arrest bail applications for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and former first lady Bushra Bibi in multiple cases.
Both were granted bail against surety bonds of Rs 50,000 each. Bushra Bibi also received pre-arrest bail in a separate protest-related case.
Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka heard six pre-arrest bail applications of the PTI founder and one of Bushra Bibi. The PTI founder faces cases related to May 9 incidents, the Azadi March, attempted murder, vandalism, arson, and alleged fake Toshakhana receipts, while Bushra Bibi faces a Toshakhana-related case registered at Kohsar police station.
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During proceedings, the prosecution argued that substantial evidence existed against the PTI founder and Bushra Bibi, claiming they were not entitled to bail and requesting dismissal of their applications.
Barrister Salman Safdar, representing the defendants, argued that these were among the first pre-arrest bail requests in his and the court’s experience that had faced such prolonged delays.
He noted that 63 adjournments were granted to the state, the court ordered the jail authorities to produce the PTI founder on 30 occasions, but he was not presented, and five show-cause notices were issued to the superintendent.
Safdar emphasised that the bail applications were based on merit, not medical grounds, and highlighted that except for the May 9 case, no previous bail application had ever been rejected. He also noted that some cases appeared to have been filed to intimidate, with no charges formally framed.
After hearing the arguments, the court approved pre-arrest bail for both the PTI founder and Bushra Bibi.
Separately, Additional District and Sessions Judge Amir Zia also granted Bushra Bibi pre-arrest bail in a protest and vandalism case registered at Ramna police station, allowing bail against a Rs 50,000 surety bond.
