ISLAMABAD: Bushra Bibi, the wife of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chief Imran Khan, approached the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday with a request to stop an FIA investigation into a “leaked audio” in which she allegedly asked Zulfi Bukhari, a former minister, to sell the watches obtained by the former prime minister from Toshakhana.

In the alleged audio, the former first lady criticised the media for broadcasting it as it was tarnishing her reputation and causing harassment.

The petition argued that “the alleged audio leaks and ulteriorly motivated discussions on the electronic and print media were orchestrated and manoeuvred in order to impair the dignity, integrity and reputation of the petitioner and her husband, the then prime minister of Pakistan”.

The petition alleged that the audio was being aired in connivance with law enforcement agencies, describing it as a violation of Article 4 of the Constitution.

The petition cited a judgement of the Supreme Court which stated that the “federal government or any other state agency has no authority or jurisdiction to record private conversations between citizens and undertake their surveillance”.

The petition further prayed the IHC to restrain the FIA and police from investigating the former first lady in connection with the alleged audio leaks.

The Special Court also sought a report from the Superintendent of Attock Jail over a court order that allowed the PTI chairman to make a call to his sons, who live in London, through Whatsapp and telephone.

Shiraz Ranjha, the PTI’s counsel, submitted an application to judge Abual Hasnat Mohammad Zulqarnain seeking contempt of court proceedings against the jail superintendent for not implementing the order. The counsel argued that when the official was asked to comply with the court order, he replied that since Imran Khan was in custody in connection with a case registered under the Official Secrets Act, he cannot be allowed to contact anyone through Whatsapp or telephone.

Judge Zulqarnain asked the superintendent to arrange a telephonic conversation between Mr Khan and his sons. The hearing will resume on Sept 15.

Published in Dawn, September 12th, 2023