An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Rawalpindi on Tuesday discharged Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, in 12 cases related to the May 9, 2023 riots.
ATC Judge Malik Ejaz Asif, who was hearing the case at Adiala Jail where Bushra is currently incarcerated, announced the ruling. During proceedings, Rawalpindi Police had also sought the physical remand of the former first lady in May 9 cases, which was rejected.
Speaking with media after the hearing, Bushra’s lawyer Salman Safdar claimed the court had acquitted her in all May 9 cases in which she was nominated. He claimed the court had also rejected the prosecution’s evidence and questioned the credibility of any statement from a co-accused. To a question, he acknowledged that the state reserves the right to challenge the verdict in the relevant high court.
The May 9, 2023 riots were triggered by the arrest of Khan from the Islamabad High Court. Spanning two days, the rioters targeted civil and military installations, committing arson and looting in several places. The military has described May 9 as a “black day” for Pakistan and vowed to ensure all culprits are brought to book.