Pakistani Court Denies Bushra Bibi Bail in 12 Cases Related to May 9 Violence
Islamabad — An anti-terrorism court in Rawalpindi has rejected Bushra Bibi’s bail application in 12 cases linked to the May 9 violence last year. This unrest followed the arrest of her husband, former Prime Minister Imran Khan, on corruption charges.
On Monday, Judge Malik Ejaz Asif of the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) ruled that a thorough investigation was necessary before considering bail for Bibi, who is 49. The judge instructed that the investigation be completed within seven days.
Bushra Bibi’s bail plea concerned FIRs filed at various Rawalpindi police stations. She and Imran Khan attended the court session, which included other suspects from the May 9 incidents that resulted in over 100 deaths.
The violence erupted after Khan’s arrest by Pakistan Rangers at the Islamabad High Court. In the aftermath, supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party allegedly attacked civil and military sites, including the residence of the IV Corps Commander in Lahore and the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi.
