The Islamabad High Court hearing regarding the transfer of Bushra Bibi, wife of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, to Adiala Jail from her current detention at Bani Gala faced a setback on Thursday. The jail administration submitted a report expressing their refusal to accommodate her, citing security concerns and space constraints. Superintendent Adiala Jail presented a report to the court outlining the reasons for declining the transfer request. The report emphasized security concerns as a primary factor, highlighting the potential challenges in ensuring Ms. Bibi's safety within the jail premises. Additionally, the report cited the already overcrowded female section of the jail, currently housing 250 inmates, which would pose logistical difficulties in accommodating another prisoner. The Chief Commissioner of Islamabad, who holds crucial decision-making authority on such matters, has not yet submitted his response to the court.

The public prosecutor requested additional time to prepare and submit the Commissioner's response, which the court granted. Consequently, the hearing has been adjourned for two weeks. Ms. Bibi, convicted in the Toshakhana reference case, had petitioned the Islamabad High Court seeking her transfer from Bani Gala, which was declared a sub-jail specifically for her detention, to Adiala Jail, a regular prison facility. Her petition argued for equal treatment under the law and her desire to serve her sentence alongside other female prisoners. With the jail administration's opposition and the Chief Commissioner's response yet to be received, the future of Ms. Bibi's transfer request remains uncertain. The upcoming hearing in two weeks will be crucial in determining the court's final decision on the matter.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)