Bushra Bibi has approached the Islamabad High Court for better facilities in Adiala Jail under Jail Rules 1978. Read why she claims her rights as former First Lady.
Bushra Bibi Appeals for Improved Jail Conditions
Bushra Bibi, the wife of PTI founder Imran Khan, has filed a formal petition in the Islamabad High Court requesting better prison facilities at Adiala Jail. The petition highlights her status as a former First Lady and argues that she is entitled to certain privileges and standards of living under the Jail Rules of 1978.
She has made the Federation of Pakistan a party to the petition through key officials including the Interior Secretary, the Superintendent of Adiala Jail, and the Chief Commissioner of Islamabad. Bushra Bibi is currently serving a seven-year sentence in the 190 million pound corruption case and is lodged in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail.
Legal Basis for the Request
According to the petition, Bushra Bibi served as First Lady from August 2018 to April 2022 and lived in the Prime Minister’s House. Her legal team claims that based on this lifestyle and position, she qualifies for a better class in jail, as permitted under the country’s jail regulations.
The petition explains that she made several written requests to the jail authorities for improved facilities. The Superintendent of Adiala Jail forwarded the matter to be reviewed, asking for clarification on whether she is entitled to such facilities. Despite this, no action was taken, and her situation inside the prison remained unchanged.
Unequal Treatment with Imran Khan
The petition also brings attention to the fact that Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi’s husband, who is also imprisoned in Adiala Jail, has already been declared eligible for better-class prison facilities. Bushra Bibi’s legal team has questioned why a similar assessment and provision have not been granted to her, despite her similar status.
This has raised concerns of unequal treatment within the same prison environment, further strengthening her argument for intervention from the court.
Petition Requests Court Intervention
In her plea, Bushra Bibi has requested the Islamabad High Court to issue directives to the involved authorities. She wants the Interior Secretary, the Superintendent of Adiala Jail, and the Chief Commissioner to fulfill their legal duties and ensure that she is granted the facilities she is entitled to.
Her legal team is pushing for enforcement of the Jail Rules 1978, which outline conditions for better-class prisoners, especially those with higher social and official backgrounds.
Public and Legal Attention
The case has drawn attention from legal experts and the general public alike. Many see it as a test of how the justice and prison systems handle the rights of high-profile inmates. Supporters argue that Bushra Bibi’s request is fair and grounded in law. On the other hand, critics believe any special treatment for political figures weakens the principle of equality before the law.
The Case Behind Bars
Bushra Bibi is currently serving a seven-year prison sentence in connection with the 190 million pound case. This is one of several high-profile cases involving top leaders of the PTI. The case alleges misuse of public funds and has been part of a broader legal battle faced by the party.
As the Islamabad High Court reviews Bushra Bibi’s petition, the outcome may set a legal precedent for how former public figures are treated in Pakistani prisons. Whether her request is granted or not, the case brings important questions about prison rights, equality, and the consistent application of the law to light.
