• Accountability bureau files another reference against Imran, his wife over state gifts
• Six more Adiala officials detained for ‘facilitating’ ex-PM

ISLAMABAD: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Tuesday acquitted former first lady Bushra Bibi in a dozen cases related to the violent protests outside General Head­quarters (GHQ) and other military installations on May 9, 2023.

However, the National Account­ability Bureau (NAB) has filed a reference against former prime minister Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi on the charge of selling state gifts against rules and misusing authority.

During Tuesday’s proceedings, Rawalpindi ATC Judge Malik Ejaz Asif denied the police Bushra Bibi’s remand after her counsel successfully argued that she was not involved in the offences alleged in the FIRs filed by the police.

The FIRs, based on statements from PTI leaders, including Sadaqat Abbasi, were dismissed, and the judge discharged her from all cases.

NAB reference

The NAB reference, submitted to the accountability registrar, accuses the former premier of failing to comply with regulations regarding the declaration and sale of state gifts.

The bureau also claims that Bushra Bibi unlawfully retained a luxury jewellery set gifted by the Saudi government during her visit to the Kingdom from May 7 to 10, 2021. The set, which includes a ring, bracelet, necklace and earrings, was reportedly valued at over Rs75 million.

The reference notes that the jewellery set was sold by a Bulgari franchise to the Saudi government for 300,000 euros and earrings for 80,000 euros on May 25, 2018.

The bureau alleges that the items were not appropriately accounted for by the couple. Instead of depositing the required 50 per cent of its value — over Rs35.7 million — into the national treasury, the set was kept illegally.

The reference further says that during his tenure, Mr Khan retained 58 out of 108 gifts received from heads of state and other dignitaries. NAB has cited 22 witnesses, including two senior army officers, to testify against the former premier and his spouse.

Six more Adiala Jail officials detained

In a separate development, law enforcement agencies have detained six more officials of Adiala Jail, including three women, for questioning for allegedly facilitating Mr Khan and Bushra Bibi, who are currently imprisoned in Central Jail Adiala.

According to sources, the recent detentions follow disclosures made by three previously detained officials, including Deputy Superintendent Muh­ammad Akram, who is already under investigation.

Among the newly detained individuals are two female warders, a sweeper and three male officials responsible for CCTV monitoring and security checks. These six officials are accused of acting as messengers for Mr Khan and Ms Bibi.

Meanwhile, retired deputy superintendent of Adiala Jail, Zafar Iqbal Ghori, who was earlier taken into custody by law enforcement in connection with the matter, has been released after brief questioning.

Mr Ghori was interrogated regarding the call with former inspector general of prisons Shahid Saleem Baig.

He reportedly clarified that he had no involvement in facilitating any prisoner, explaining that the call he received from the former IGP was purely professional, as Mr Baig was his former boss. Sources said Mr Ghori retired from service in October 2021.

On the other hand, the wife of detained deputy superintendent Akram has filed a complaint with the Saddar Barooni Police Station, seeking the registration of an FIR regarding her husband’s detention.

Published in Dawn, August 21st, 2024