IHC reserves decision on Bushra Bibi’s transfer to Adiala jail

Bushra's lawyer underscores absence of directives from authorities

ISLAMBAD:

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday reserved its decision on a plea by former first lady Bushra Bibi seeking a transfer to Adiala jail from the Bani Gala sub-jail. 

“There was an absence of explicit directives from the relevant authorities regarding the jail transfer. The notification issued by the chief commissioner is unauthorized, lacks endorsement from pertinent authorities, including the superintendent of Adiala jail, the provincial government, or the IG Jails. Therefore, the chief commissioner’s notification of transfer to Bani Gala sub-jail is illegal," argued Bushra's counsel.

In response, Justice Miangul Hasan Aurangzeb reiterated security concerns cited for holding hearings in jail premises with similar security threats invoked to justify Bushra Bibi's relocation.

“It appears that the decision to relocate Bushra Bibi to Bani Gala had been predetermined. If I am forcibly confined to my home, I would be deeply pleased. How can a prisoner's property be converted into a sub-jail against his or her will,” Justice Aurangzeb inquired.

Read Bushra Bibi challenges NAB summons

Earlier in March, the IHC was informed by the Adiala jail superintendent that former premier Imran Khan's wife, Bushra Bibi, can not be shifted to the prison due to 'security threats'.

"Despite the filing of a petition in the Islamabad High Court, the decision to keep Bushra Bibi in solitary confinement at the Bani Gala 'sub-jail' is a shameful and malicious attempt to undermine Imran Khan," the spokesperson added.

Bushra pleaded with IHC to set aside the chief commissioner’s notification and allow her to serve her sentence like “other PTI workers” in an ordinary jail.

In her petition, she mentioned that she does not feel safe to be confined alone in the premises of the sub-jail due to potential security issues. She said there has been movement of unidentified people in her house contributing to her sense of insecurity.