Islamabad High Court (IHC) has granted bail to Bushra Bibi, wife of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, in the Toshakhana case. However, her release has been delayed due to the unavailability of the special judge to issue the release order.

Justice Mian Gul Hassan Aurangzeb of the IHC heard the case today. The court ordered the submission of two surety bonds of 10 million rupees each. The prosecution, represented by FIA prosecutor Amir Majeed, argued that gifts received by public office holders are state property unless legally purchased. They contended that the case relates to gifts that were not properly declared.

The court questioned why Bushra Bibi was implicated if she did not receive the gifts herself. The prosecution responded that it was because Imran Khan, the PTI founder, held public office at the time.

Justice Aurangzeb noted that the accurate valuation of Toshakhana gifts can only be determined through auction. He drew a comparison to a British Prime Minister who also took gifts home, stating that while rules may have been followed, there is also a matter of public perception and propriety.

The court also inquired about the implications if the gifts were returned. The prosecution explained that while plea bargaining exists under the NAB law, there’s no such provision in this specific case.

After hearing arguments, the court approved Bushra Bibi’s bail application and ordered her release. However, the release order could not be issued due to the absence of Special Judge Central Shah Rukh Arjumand. The inability to secure the release order was further compounded by the leave of absence of the duty judge, Humayun Dilawar.

PTI lawyers spent the day attempting to submit the surety bonds and secure her release, but the court adjourned before the process could be completed. Attempts to obtain the release order from Administrative Judge Raja Jawad Abbas were also unsuccessful as he had already left for the day.