ISLAMABAD: As Bushra Bibi, the wife of former prime minister Imran Khan, led a large protest towards D-Chowk in Islamabad, an accountability court continued proceedings in the £190 million corruption case against her and Mr Khan.
On Monday, Accountability Judge Nasir Javed Rana directed the prosecution to submit a report regarding a non-bailable arrest warrant issued for Bushra Bibi, citing her repeated failure to appear in court.
The warrant remains in effect as the proceedings were adjourned until Thursday (tomorrow) without further action.
The hearing, scheduled at Adiala Jail, was relocated to the judicial complex due to road closures in the federal capital.
Report sought on her arrest warrant over failure to appear in court; ATC extends Imran’s physical remand by six days in Sept 28 protest case
The case pertains to allegations of undue favours granted to property tycoon Malik Riaz in a settlement with the UK’s National Crime Agency, implicating senior Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leadership.
Imran’s remand extended
Separately, Anti-Terrorism Court Judge Amjad Ali Shah extended Imran Khan’s physical remand by six days. The remand was issued in connection with a case accusing Mr Khan of inciting workers to stage violent protests on Sept 28.
The case, registered at New Town Police Station in Rawalpindi, alleges that the former premier urged party members to disrupt public order.
Public Prosecutor Zaheer Shah argued that Mr Khan’s refusal to cooperate with investigators has hindered progress. “The accused has declined to record his statement, obstructing the process and necessitating further remand,” the prosecutor stated.
Evidence, including materials linked to the protests and records of jail meetings, has been seized. Authorities also await information from the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) and the FIA.
Prosecutor Shah contended that Imran Khan’s extended detention was critical to advancing the investigation.
Mr Khan’s legal representative, Safia, opposed the remand extension, asserting that no significant recovery had been made in the case. She accused the authorities of relying on baseless allegations to prolong Mr Khan’s detention.
The ATC ordered Mr Khan to appear in court on Dec 2 as investigations into the matter continue.
Published in Dawn, November 27th, 2024
