The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) filed an appeal in the Supreme Court on Saturday to challenge the post-arrest bail granted to Bushra Bibi, the wife of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, in a new Toshakhana reference.
Bushra Bibi, who was released from Adiala Jail on October 24 after the Islamabad High Court approved her bail, had posted a Rs1 million surety bond for her release. Special Judge Shahrukh Arjumand issued her release orders following the submission of the bond by her lawyers.
Bushra Bibi, known as a faith healer and spiritual guide, married Imran Khan just before he assumed office in 2018. She was arrested on January 31, one week prior to the general elections. Her detention, tied to allegations in an illegal marriage case, sparked significant reaction among Khan’s supporters and the public.
The FIA’s petition claims that her bail approval was “illegal and contradicted the record,” arguing that the principles of post-arrest bail were not adequately applied. The agency further contends that the Islamabad High Court “misjudged the case” and disregarded key evidence presented against Bushra Bibi, particularly regarding a Bulgari jewelry set she allegedly misused as a state gift in collusion with Khan. The agency argues that this misuse led to a financial loss for the national treasury.
The FIA has requested the Supreme Court to annul the Islamabad High Court’s October 23 bail decision, revoke Bushra Bibi’s bail, and reissue her arrest orders.
Earlier this week, a Rawalpindi accountability court hinted at the potential cancellation of her bail in the £190 million reference after her absence from court proceedings.
Some officials and analysts speculate that her release, along with that of Khan’s sisters, might be part of a broader political arrangement. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif commented that the release of Bushra Bibi and her travel to Peshawar was unusual and suggested that these events occurred with Khan’s knowledge. Meanwhile, Senator Faisal Vawda clarified that he hadn’t called it a “deal” but questioned the reasons behind recent renovations at Bani Gala, hinting that Bibi’s move to Peshawar may have been prompted by surveillance concerns. Columnist Javed Chaudhry also raised questions, suggesting that the smooth granting of bail and Bushra Bibi’s departure to Peshawar could indicate deeper motives.
