‘Rats and leaks’: Bushra Bibi allegedly living in harsh jail conditions; sister Maryam claims she is on hunger strike

Maryam Riaz Wattoo, sister of former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi, has alleged that Bushra was forced to go on a hunger strike in prison before she was allowed to meet her family, ARY News reported.Both Bushra and Imran are behind bars facing multiple cases of corruption. Since his arrest in 2023, Khan has consistently maintained his innocence, asserting that the charges were fabricated by his opponents to prevent his political comeback. Maryam further claimed that Bushra was being kept in “difficult and unlawful” conditions. She said the ceiling of her cell leaked, the electric board had live current, rats moved around inside, and electricity was cut for up to two days.

Speaking on ARY News, Maryam said Bushra was allowed to meet her family only after more than a month of repeated appeals. She said the family was also made to wait outside the jail for hours.Maryam alleged that Bushra’s health has worsened. “She has lost around 15 kilograms and has become very weak,” she said, adding that her sister’s morale remained strong. She also said that Bushra has not been given bail in several cases and has not been allowed to meet her husband, PTI founder Imran Khan. Meanwhile, Dawn reported that Imran Khan has nominated Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PMAP) chairman Mahmood Khan Achakzai as opposition Leader in the national assembly, and Azam Khan Swati as opposition leader in the senate.