Imran Khan
Former prime minister Imran Khan, currently incarcerated at Adiala Jail, defended his wife, Bushra Bibi, following her controversial remarks about Saudi Arabia’s alleged involvement in his government’s ouster.
A day after Bushra Bibi issued a rare video message making such claims, Khan clarified that her statement was “deliberately taken out of context” to drag Saudi Arabia into an unnecessary controversy.
“She [Bushra Bibi] didn’t mention Saudi Arabia at all,” Khan asserted in a statement shared on his official X handle. He accused the government of distorting her message, emphasizing that Pakistan’s relations with Saudi Arabia remain strong.
In her video message, Bushra Bibi accused former army chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa of conspiring against her husband after receiving calls from unspecified entities during Imran Khan’s visit to Madina.
She alleged that following Khan’s “barefoot” visit, a smear campaign was launched to label him a “Jewish agent.” These remarks stirred significant backlash from government officials, who labeled her statement as harmful to the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned Bushra Bibi’s comments, calling them a “suicide attack” on Pakistan-Saudi ties. “We will break any hand that dares sabotage this friendship,” he vowed. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also expressed dismay, calling her remarks desperate and politically motivated.
In response, Imran Khan reiterated his government’s excellent relations with Saudi Arabia, highlighting the Kingdom’s support during critical times.
He recalled receiving a personal message from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman after being attacked in Wazirabad in November 2022.
Additionally, he credited Saudi Arabia for supporting the successful Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) foreign ministers’ conference held in Islamabad weeks before his government was toppled.
Imran Khan accused General Bajwa of orchestrating conspiracies against his government and blocking investigations into the alleged plots.
He reiterated that his wife had no political connections and was only delivering his message to the nation regarding the November 24 protest, which he described as a pivotal moment to resist oppression and reclaim freedom.
As tensions escalate, the government continues to criticize Bushra Bibi’s statement, accusing the PTI of exploiting foreign policy for political survival.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif slammed her remarks as the lowest point in Pakistani politics, while Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz condemned the attack on a long-standing ally like Saudi Arabia.
The controversy adds to the challenges faced by PTI, whose leadership remains embroiled in legal battles and political crises.
