Police Seek Physical Remand of Bushra Bibi in 12 Cases Linked to May 9 Riots That Killed

In more trouble for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi, police have sought her physical remand to probe 12 cases related to the May 9 riots.

Sources told CNN-News18 that the Anti-Terrorism Court has asked police to provide the initial investigation report and evidence of Bibi’s involvement in cases linked to the attacks on GHQ Gate 4 and the Army Museum.

Ordering the National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB) investigation team to present Bibi in court on Saturday, the court said it will decide about her physical remand the same day.

Police have told the court that preliminary investigation has been completed and Bibi is found to be involved in the riots cases due to which her custody is needed.

Bibi was implicated based on statements from dissident PTI leaders Sadaqat Abbasi, Wasiq Qayyum, and Umar Tanveer Butt.

Apart from the attacks, Bibi has been implicated in cases involving the attack on a sensitive agency’s office on Murree Road, the burning of a metro station, and the torching of a sensitive building in Saddar. She has also been named in cases involving arson and vandalism on Murree Road, Taxila, and Hazro Attock.

According to sources, if her role is proved, Bibi’s could land in serious trouble. Earlier, the court had rejected Bibi’s bail application.

The May 9, 2023, violence, which erupted when the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder was arrested in an alleged corruption case, eft more than 100 people dead.

The violence started after the Pakistan Rangers arrested Khan inside the premises of the Islamabad High Court in a corruption case.

The PTI supporters allegedly targeted civil and military installations, including the residence of the Pakistan Army’s IV Corps Commander in Lahore and the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, across the country following Khan’s arrest.

Khan, 71, has been imprisoned at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail for more than a year now upon his conviction in multiple cases. Bibi is also jailed along with him.

Khan faces several cases and has been convicted in a few. Though the former-cricketer-turned-politician had secured bail or his conviction was set aside, he has not been released.

Talking to journalists in Adiala jail while appearing for a hearing in a case of alleged corruption, Khan warned that the incumbent government led by Shehbaz Sharif would not last for more than two months.

During his conversation with the media, he also referred to the comments he made earlier regarding the May 9 riots. He said a wrong perception was created and that he had sought an unconditional apology.

He also clarified that he would apologise if PTI activists were found involved in the violent protests. He said that his party wanted justice in the May 9 events, elaborating on his offer to initiate dialogue, and adding that he made the offer to hold talks only for the sake of the country.

“I will not strike any deal no matter how many cases they register against us,” he said, adding that a deal is sought by those who had committed any wrongdoing. He also clarified that he has not received any offer for negotiations so far.