Bushra Bibi, the wife of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, was released from Adiala Jail on Thursday, following the suspension of her graft sentence. This development comes nine months after both she and Khan were imprisoned in a controversial legal case leading up to the February elections.
Imran Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), announced her release, highlighting that she had been convicted of graft and an illegal marriage alongside her husband. PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan stated, “She was kept in jail to put pressure on Imran Khan. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all PTI supporters on the release of Bushra Bibi, and we offer our gratitude to God.”
The illegal marriage case against Bibi was overturned on appeal, while her graft conviction was also suspended, allowing her to leave prison. Bibi had secured bail on a separate pending case just a day before her release.
Imran Khan remains incarcerated, having received a 14-year sentence on graft charges just days before the national elections, in addition to a 10-year term for leaking state secrets. Khan’s conviction was part of a series of legal challenges that he alleges were politically motivated to prevent his return to power.
In June 2024, a high court in Pakistan overturned a treason conviction against Khan, who continues to face other charges. His lawyer, Salman Safdar, expressed optimism about the judicial developments, stating, “This is the first big case that was part of the political victimisation against Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi, which has been dashed to the ground.”
As the political landscape in Pakistan continues to evolve, the ramifications of Bibi’s release and Khan’s ongoing imprisonment are likely to be significant in shaping the future of the PTI party and its leadership.
