Bushra Bibi, the wife of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, has commenced serving her 14-year sentence at their residence, officially designated a "sub-jail" by authorities.
This development occurred following the sentencing of both Bibi and Khan for graft, related to the sale of foreign gifts received during Khan's time as prime minister. Imran Khan, concurrently sentenced to 10 years in a separate case involving the leakage of state secrets, remains incarcerated at Adiala jail in Rawalpindi, where the trial took place.
The former international cricketer and his legal team have vehemently criticized the convictions and numerous other charges, claiming that they are a part of a plan by the military-led establishment to prevent his return to power in the upcoming elections.
Late on Wednesday, the government announced that Bibi had been transferred from Adiala jail to their residence on the outskirts of Islamabad. An official order declared their residence a "sub-jail" until further notice, highlighting the controversial nature of the legal proceedings.
The sprawling bungalow at the Khan residence in Islamabad's opulent Bani Gala neighborhood is now formally Bibi's prison. Pakistan is set to hold elections on February 8, already marred by accusations of rigging, with Imran Khan barred from participating and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party subjected to a significant crackdown.
Thousands of supporters faced detention during riots that erupted after Khan's initial arrest last year, with approximately 100 people awaiting trial in secretive military courts. The upcoming elections have witnessed heightened tensions and unrest.
Bushra Bibi, Khan's third wife, married him in 2018, shortly before he assumed the role of prime minister. Their marriage attracted both scandal and fascination throughout the nation. Imran Khan, renowned for his playboy image during his cricket days, was previously married to Jemima Goldsmith and Reham Nayyar.