Bushra Bibi Health Controversy Echoes in Senate
ISLAMABAD: A fresh controversy over the health and jail conditions of former first lady Bushra Bibi resurfaced in the Senate, triggering strong protests from opposition lawmakers and a walkout by senators belonging to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
During the Senate session, PTI parliamentary leader Senator Syed Ali Zafar expressed serious concern over reports that Bushra Bibi was allegedly shifted from Adiala Jail to a hospital late at night and later returned without any official disclosure regarding her medical condition. He termed the matter “suspicious” and demanded transparency from the government and jail authorities.
The PTI senator questioned why details about the hospital visit, medical tests, and doctors involved had not been made public. He also alleged that Bushra Bibi had been facing solitary confinement, mental stress, and denial of proper medical access while in custody.
Ali Zafar urged the government to immediately release her medical reports, allow her personal doctors to examine her, and permit unrestricted meetings with family members. He further demanded that she be shifted to Shifa International Hospital and called for the formation of an independent medical board to assess her health condition.
The PTI lawmakers also sought the intervention of the Senate Human Rights Committee and demanded access for human rights organisations to visit Bushra Bibi in jail. Following the government’s response, PTI senators staged a walkout from the Upper House in protest.
Responding to the opposition’s concerns, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said the matter should be pursued through legal channels. He maintained that Bushra Bibi was receiving treatment according to jail rules and noted that the issue had previously been discussed before the Supreme Court.
ANP Senator Aimal Wali Khan also commented on the issue, saying that if medical treatment was required, adequate healthcare facilities should be provided. He proposed sending a parliamentary committee to Adiala Jail to assess the conditions of Bushra Bibi and PTI founder Imran Khan.