ISLAMABAD: A purported audio recording of Bushra Bibi, wife of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, addressing party members in Peshawar has surfaced.
The leak comes just days before November 24, when the PTI plans a major march to Islamabad, aiming to secure Imran Khan’s release from Adiala Jail. Imran, who has been imprisoned for over a year on multiple charges, recently called for a nationwide protest against alleged electoral rigging in the February 8 elections, arrests of party workers, and the controversial passage of the 26th Amendment.
In the leaked audio, Bushra Bibi is heard relaying Imran’s directives to party members regarding the upcoming protest. She emphasized the need to mobilize the general public, not just party workers, and instructed legislators to document the event by recording videos of vehicles and participants joining the march.
She also advised the party to prepare alternative communication methods to counter potential disruptions, such as internet shutdowns, during what PTI has termed a “do-or-die” effort to secure Imran Khan’s release.
“Social media activists and YouTubers should share real-time updates of the caravans,” she reportedly said.
Bushra Bibi further urged PTI legislators to ensure the safety of workers, stressing that injured participants should be cared for by local MNAs and MPAs. She cautioned against arrests, instructing lawmakers and workers to avoid detention.
To maintain accountability, she directed party representatives to submit videos of their individual rallies before joining the main procession. According to the audio, failure to comply with this directive could result in denial of future party tickets.
The former first lady reportedly highlighted the November 24 protest as a critical test of loyalty to Imran Khan, expressing confidence that 500,000 supporters could be mobilized. “Grouping at this critical time does not show loyalty to Khan,” she added.
PTI leader Shaukat Yousafzai confirmed the authenticity of the nine-minute recording, acknowledging it was from a recent meeting in Peshawar where Bushra Bibi addressed party members.
