Barrister Salman Safdar says decision could potentially impact ongoing cases against Imran Khan
RAWALPINDI: In a significant development, Rawalpindi’s Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) has discharged Bushra Bibi, the wife of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan, from all 12 cases linked to the May 9 riots. The decision was rendered by Judge Malik Ejaz Asif during a hearing held at Adiala Jail. The Rawalpindi police had requested Bushra Bibi’s physical remand for further investigation into the May 9 incidents, including the attack on the General Headquarters (GHQ).
However, the court, after reviewing the police’s request, rejected it and discharged Bushra Bibi from all related cases. Bushra Bibi’s legal counsel, Barrister Salman Safdar, expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, describing it as a favorable outcome following extensive legal proceedings. Safdar highlighted that the charges against Bushra Bibi were based on statements that lacked legal credibility. He emphasized that the court had thoroughly examined the arguments from both sides before reaching its decision. The prosecution had presented three statements alleging Bushra Bibi’s involvement in the May 9 events.
Safdar noted that the court questioned the delay in addressing these allegations, which had been pending for over a year and three months. He further criticized the statements from co-accused individuals, asserting that they were insufficient to substantiate the charges against Bushra Bibi. The decision to discharge Bushra Bibi could have implications for the ongoing cases against PTI founder Imran Khan, who was recently acquitted in the cypher case, though a final decision is yet to be announced.
During the hearing, four prosecutors were present, and while the prosecution retains the option to challenge the court’s ruling, Safdar maintained that he respects judicial decisions and has refrained from critiquing court rulings publicly. Safdar concluded that the ruling, delivered even during challenging times, represents a positive development for Bushra Bibi and highlights the court’s commitment to a fair and thorough review of evidence.
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