Imran Khan Defends Wife’s Remarks, Dismisses Saudi Controversy

Former prime minister Imran Khan has stepped in to defend his wife, Bushra Bibi, after her recent comments sparked a diplomatic stir. Incarcerated at Adiala Jail since August last year, Khan issued a statement on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, asserting that Bushra’s remarks were “deliberately taken out of context” to embroil Saudi Arabia in an unnecessary controversy.

“She [Bushra Bibi] didn’t mention Saudi Arabia at all,” the PTI chairman clarified, accusing government officials of exploiting her statement to harm Pakistan’s ties with the Kingdom.

Allegations Against Saudi Arabia

Bushra Bibi’s rare video message, released a day earlier ahead of PTI’s “do-or-die” protest, included allegations suggesting Saudi involvement in her husband’s ouster. Referring to Imran Khan’s visit to Madina during his tenure, she claimed that former army chief Gen (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa received calls from Saudi officials, criticizing Khan’s presence.

The former first lady also alleged that this led to a smear campaign branding Khan a “Jewish agent,” adding that such actions set the stage for his removal from office.

Backlash and Rebuttal

Her remarks drew sharp criticism from government representatives, who labeled them a “suicide attack” against Pakistan’s longstanding friendly relations with Saudi Arabia.

In response, Khan emphasized his “excellent relations” with the Kingdom, citing support from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman after he survived an assassination attempt in Wazirabad in November 2022. He also recalled Saudi Arabia’s backing during a successful OIC foreign ministers’ conference in Islamabad, held weeks before his government was removed.

“A Conspiracy by General Bajwa”

Reiterating claims of political conspiracies, Khan accused General Bajwa of orchestrating his government’s ouster and blocking investigations into the alleged plot. “I tried to have these investigated through the Chief Justice and General Tariq Khan, but General Bajwa did not allow that to happen,” he said.

Khan distanced his wife from political affairs, stating that her message reflected his sentiments about the upcoming November 24 protests. Labeling the date as a pivotal moment to “break free from slavery,” he urged the nation to rise against the suspension of the rule of law, constitution, and human rights.

“The nation must decide whether to wear the yoke of slavery like Bahadur Shah Zafar or to adorn the crown of freedom like Tipu Sultan,” the PTI chairman concluded.

Khan’s remarks aim to mitigate any damage to Pakistan-Saudi ties while mobilizing his supporters ahead of the critical protest date.