ISLAMABAD: The hearing regarding the new Toshakhana case involving Bushra Bibi has been adjourned until October 23. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) opposed her bail plea during Tuesday’s proceedings.
Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) presided over the case. FIA Prosecutor Zulfikar Abbas Naqvi and lawyer Umair Majeed Malik represented the agency, while Barrister Salman Safdar appeared on behalf of the former first lady.
Barrister Safdar noted that it had been 12 days since the last hearing of Bushra’s bail plea. In response, Justice Aurangzeb mentioned, “I had a severe fever when I attended the court last on October 9, and it took me some time to recover.”
Continuing his arguments, Safdar stated that a private buyer had undervalued the gifts in question and had become an approver against Bushra Bibi. He further explained that customs officers later determined the value of the goods and found no wrongdoing.
Justice Aurangzeb questioned, “Was it the decision of the then-executive, Imran Khan, to accept the gifts after paying 50% of their total value?” The FIA prosecutor clarified that no precedent existed for accepting gifts at half their value.
“What is your stance on the bail plea of Bushra Bibi?” Justice Aurangzeb inquired. The FIA prosecutor responded, “We will oppose it.”
The court then adjourned the hearing until October 23.
