ATC grants major relief to Bushra Bibi

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s spouse, Bushra Bibi received a big relief from the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Saturday after appearing in court for the hearing of the May 9 unrest case.

ATC judge Amjad Ali Shah granted her bail in 32 cases, including the May 9 incident, and issued notice to the investigation officers.

The development came after the Military courts sentenced 25 civilians to prison. The terms ranging from two to ten years for their involvement in violent attacks on military installations during nationwide protests erupted after the arrest of Imran Khan arrest on May 9, 2023.     

Bushra Bibi had filed the bail petition in 23 cases pertaining to May 9 violence and the nine other cases. 

During the court proceeding, the court also barred authorities from arresting Bushra Bibi in the cases registered in connection with the November 24 and 27 protests until January 23.

Bushra Bibi was also nominated in the unrest cases registered after the recent protest, which began after the final call of founder Imran Khan against his prolonged incarceration, 26th constitutional amendment and election mandate.  

The court issued notices to the investigating officers, indicating that Bushra cannot be arrested in any of the 32 cases because she has been granted bail.

Additionally, while seeking the case records, the court postponed further hearings until January 13.