Bushra Bibi Granted Interim Bail in November 26 Protest Cases

An Islamabad district and sessions court granted interim bail to Bushra Bibi, the wife of former Prime Minister and PTI founder Imran Khan, on Thursday in connection with cases related to the violent protests staged by the PTI on November 26. The protests followed Imran Khan’s call for nationwide demonstrations to restore the PTI’s electoral mandate and secure the release of detained party members.

On November 24, clashes erupted across Islamabad as PTI supporters and security forces engaged in tense confrontations. The protests, which culminated in the early hours of November 27, saw at least six fatalities, including a police officer and three Rangers officials. Both the government and PTI have since traded accusations over the deaths, creating a contentious divide between the ruling coalition and the opposition.

Legal Troubles Mount for PTI Leadership

Bushra Bibi, along with other PTI leaders, has faced legal challenges stemming from the protests. On December 2, an Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court issued non-bailable warrants against her, Imran Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, and 93 others in relation to the demonstrations. Further complications arose on December 13 when a journalist filed a case implicating Bushra, Gandapur, and other PTI leaders in violent incidents during the protests.

Adding to the legal entanglements, a murder charge was filed against Bushra Bibi and other PTI leaders after a Rangers official succumbed to injuries sustained during the protests. The volatile political situation has kept tensions high between the opposition and the federal government.

Court Grants Interim Relief

On Thursday, Judge Shabbir Bhatti of the Islamabad district and sessions court heard Bushra Bibi’s interim bail applications. She appeared in court alongside her legal team, where the judge granted her interim bail until January 13, against surety bonds of Rs50,000.

The cases against Bushra Bibi include one filed at the Tarnol police station and three others lodged at the Ramna police station. This bail decision provides temporary relief as legal proceedings continue, with further developments expected in the coming weeks.