Daily Times

An accountability court in Rawalpindi approved a request for exemption from appearance for former first lady Bushra Bibi in the Toshakhana case, with instructions for her to ensure attendance in the next hearing. Special Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand heard the case inside Adiala Jail, where arguments were presented by the defence and prosecution. Lawyer Salman Safdar, representing Bushra Bibi and PTI founder Imran Khan, filed the request for her exemption and submitted pleas seeking acquittal for both individuals. Safdar argued that additional documents supporting their case were forthcoming and requested more time. Meanwhile, the prosecution opposed the acquittal pleas, arguing they served to delay the indictment process. The prosecutor asserted that the court had previously set multiple dates for indictments, but progress was hindered due to such requests. The court, after hearing the parties, adjourned the case until Nov 8 and directed both parties to complete arguments on the acquittal pleas by the next hearing.