The prosecutor further critiqued the exemption request, pointing out that it lacked the necessary signatures from Bushra Bibi and her legal team, implying that due process had not been followed
News Desk
ISLAMABAD: An accountability court expressed significant dissatisfaction over the absence of Bushra Bibi and her legal representatives during the hearing related to the £190 million reference at Adiala Jail. Presided over by Judge Nasir Javed Rana, the court cautioned that if this pattern of absence continues, Bushra Bibi’s bail could be revoked, and new arrest warrants may be issued.
During the proceedings, former Prime Minister Imran Khan was present, while Bushra Bibi was represented by her assistant lawyer, Khalid Yousuf Chaudhry. Chaudhry submitted a request seeking Bushra Bibi’s exemption from attendance on medical grounds, but the prosecution opposed this plea, highlighting that neither she nor her lawyers were present in court. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) prosecutor emphasized that the hearing had been scheduled with the expectation of legal representation, noting that it was improper for the court not to have been informed about their absence in advance.
The prosecutor further critiqued the exemption request, pointing out that it lacked the necessary signatures from Bushra Bibi and her legal team, implying that due process had not been followed. “We do not insist that Bushra Bibi must attend every hearing, but if she does not wish to appear, she should appoint a representative,” the prosecutor remarked. He also alleged that Bushra Bibi was abusing her bail privileges and recommended that a show-cause notice be issued against her for the absence.
In light of these developments, the court reiterated its displeasure with Bushra Bibi’s and her representatives’ absence, indicating that such behavior could jeopardize her bail status. The lack of legal representation also hindered the cross-examination of the case’s investigating officer, forcing the court to postpone the hearing until the following day.
Both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi face charges linked to a fraud case registered at Islamabad’s Kohsar Police Station, which involves allegations of submitting fake receipts connected to the sale of state gifts. The First Information Report (FIR) names Khan, Bushra Bibi, Shahzad Akbar, Zulfi Bukhari, and Farah Gogi, accusing them of fabricating documents to facilitate the buying and selling of Toshakhana gifts, using forged signatures and letterheads.
