Imran Khan Defends Bushra Bibi's Comments on Saudi Arabia

In a recent turn of events, the political landscape in Pakistan has been stirred by comments made by Bushra Bibi, the wife of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. She accused Saudi Arabia of playing a role in the ousting of her husband’s government. This statement has sparked significant controversy, prompting Imran Khan, who is currently incarcerated, to defend his wife and clarify her remarks.

Imran Khan, who has been in Adiala jail since August last year, stated that Bushra’s comments were “deliberately taken out of context to draw our brotherly country into a needless controversy.” He emphasized that his wife did not directly mention Saudi Arabia in her statements. This clarification comes after Bushra Bibi released a video message where she alleged that during a visit to Madina, the former army chief, General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa, received calls from Saudi officials regarding her husband’s political situation.

In her video, Bushra claimed that Bajwa was questioned about Imran Khan, suggesting that the Saudi officials did not want him in power. She further alleged that this led to a smear campaign against her husband, branding him as a “Jewish agent.” Such serious allegations have drawn sharp criticism from government officials, who labeled her comments as a “suicide attack” on the friendly relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

Despite the backlash, Imran Khan has reiterated his strong ties with Saudi Arabia. He recalled that after he was attacked in Wazirabad, one of the first calls he received was from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, highlighting the Kingdom's support during challenging times. Khan stated, “The Kingdom has always stood by us in difficult times,” reinforcing the notion that Saudi Arabia has been a reliable ally for Pakistan.

Moreover, Khan pointed out that just weeks before his government was toppled, Pakistan successfully hosted an OIC foreign minister’s conference in Islamabad, an event he claimed would not have been possible without Saudi support. He accused General Bajwa of orchestrating conspiracies that led to his government’s downfall, stating that he attempted to investigate these claims but was thwarted by Bajwa.

In his defense of Bushra, Imran Khan emphasized that she is not involved in politics and was merely conveying his message regarding an upcoming protest scheduled for November 24. He described this day as “the day to break free from slavery,” urging the nation to stand up for the rule of law, constitution, and human rights, which he believes have been compromised in Pakistan.

As the political drama unfolds, it raises important questions about the future of Pakistan’s governance and its international relations, particularly with Saudi Arabia. The allegations made by Bushra Bibi and the subsequent defense by Imran Khan highlight the complexities of political alliances and the impact of personal relationships on national politics. The situation serves as a reminder of the delicate balance that must be maintained in international relations, especially for a country like Pakistan, which relies heavily on its allies for support during turbulent times.