Three more fresh cases have been lodged against Bushra Bibi, wife of PTI founder Imran Khan, in Gujranwala district. The cases accuse her of hate speech, religious provocation, and other charges stemming from her video statement criticizing Saudi Arabia.
The cases were registered at Sadar Gujranwala, Civil Lines, and Gakhar Mandi police stations. Two cases were filed on Saturday, while the third was registered on Sunday.
Complaint Details
The latest complaint, lodged at Gakhar Mandi police station, was filed by Mohammad Saeed Butt of Sultan Pura. Butt alleged that he was at a restaurant when Bushra Bibi’s statement was aired. In her remarks, she accused Saudi Arabia of straying from Sharia law, which the complainant claimed harmed Pakistan’s relations with Saudi Arabia.
The case includes charges under Sections 295A, 298, 153, and 126 of the Pakistan Penal Code and the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016.
Previous Cases in Other Districts
Bushra Bibi is already facing legal challenges in other districts. Identical cases have been filed against her in Okara, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, and Layyah. These cases also cite her remarks against Saudi leadership as the basis for the complaints.
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Public and Legal Backlash
The statements attributed to Bushra Bibi have sparked outrage among some citizens. Complainants allege that her comments on Saudi Arabia’s deviation from Sharia law incite hatred and disrupt diplomatic relations.
Police officials confirmed that the registered cases are under investigation. Authorities are examining the video statement and its dissemination through electronic media to determine the scope of violations.
Legal Implications
The charges under Pakistan Penal Code sections include:
- Section 295A: Deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings.
- Section 298: Statements aimed at wounding religious sentiments.
- Section 153: Provoking unrest by promoting enmity between groups.
- Section 126: Statements affecting Pakistan’s relations with other nations.
The inclusion of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, indicates concerns about the use of digital platforms to spread controversial content.
What’s Next?
Bushra Bibi has yet to respond publicly to these legal developments. PTI officials have also remained silent about the accusations against her.
The cases add to the mounting challenges faced by PTI and its leadership, with legal scrutiny increasing on multiple fronts.
Context of the Controversy
The controversy comes at a time of strained ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Analysts suggest that such remarks, if proven, could have broader implications for bilateral relations.
Authorities in Gujranwala and other districts are reportedly intensifying their focus on addressing hate speech and inflammatory rhetoric. The ongoing investigations aim to determine the extent of Bushra Bibi’s alleged violations and their impact.
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