ISLAMABAD: Bushra Bibi, the wife of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, began serving her 14-year sentence at home after authorities officially declared their residence a “sub-jail.”
She surrendered to authorities on Wednesday following the sentencing of both her and Khan in a case related to the sale of foreign gifts received during Khan’s tenure as prime minister.
While Khan was sentenced to 10 years in jail in a separate case involving leaking state secrets and is held at Adiala jail in Rawalpindi, Bibi will serve her sentence at their residence in the Bani Gala area of Islamabad.
The government issued an order declaring Bibi’s residence a sub-jail, allowing her to serve her sentence at home. The move comes amid allegations from Khan and his legal team that the charges and convictions are politically motivated, orchestrated by the military-led establishment to prevent Khan’s return to power in the upcoming elections.
The election, scheduled for February 8, has already faced accusations of rigging, with Khan barred from participating and his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), subjected to a crackdown. Thousands of PTI supporters were detained following Khan’s initial arrest, and the party has been under intense scrutiny.
Bushra Bibi, a Muslim faith healer, married Imran Khan in 2018, months before he was elected prime minister. The marriage stirred public attention due to its timing and Bibi’s role as a spiritual guide to Khan. The couple’s residence, where Bibi is now serving her sentence, is located in a gated compound in the Bani Gala area. Imran Khan’s political journey, personal life, and legal battles have drawn significant attention in Pakistan.
