The federal government has strongly condemned recent remarks by Bushra Bibi, the spouse of PTI Chairman Imran Khan, alleging they could damage Pakistan’s longstanding ties with Saudi Arabia. The controversy arose after a video statement in which she suggested that unnamed foreign powers were displeased with her husband’s religious demeanor during his visit to Madina.
In her message, Bushra Bibi claimed that following Imran Khan’s visit to the holy city, former army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa received disapproving calls. Although she did not name the entities involved, the comments stirred political debate and unease within PTI ranks.
Government Response: A Defense of Pakistan-Saudi Brotherhood
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, speaking at an inauguration ceremony for a flood restoration project in Taunsa, emphasized the unshakable bond between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. He noted the kingdom’s unwavering support for Pakistan in times of need, including facilitating financial negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
“She [Bushra Bibi] made remarks that no one could imagine,” said Sharif. “There can be no greater enmity against Pakistan than to spread venom against a nation that has unconditionally supported us.”
Sharif further warned that any attempt to damage ties with Saudi Arabia for political gain would be met with strict resistance, describing such acts as an “unforgivable crime.” He accused PTI of sowing seeds of hatred to serve short-term political goals.
Cabinet Ministers Criticize PTI’s Alleged Exploitation of Foreign Relations
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif condemned Bushra Bibi’s remarks, calling them “vile” and a desperate attempt to salvage PTI’s declining political standing. He accused PTI leaders of compromising Pakistan’s foreign policy for personal gains.
“Our relationship with Saudi Arabia is rooted in history, religion, and economics,” Asif said, adding that millions of Pakistanis work in Saudi Arabia, contributing billions in remittances. He further alleged internal party disputes within PTI as a possible reason for the controversial remarks.
Finance Minister Ishaq Dar echoed similar concerns, accusing PTI of exploiting Pakistan-Saudi relations for “petty political point-scoring.” He stressed the importance of maintaining the dignity of Pakistan’s diplomatic ties with its allies.
PTI Defends Bushra Bibi’s Statement
In response, PTI denied the negative portrayal of Bushra Bibi’s remarks, insisting that she neither named Saudi Arabia nor criticized its leadership. The party maintained that her comments were directed at domestic actors, particularly General Bajwa, whom PTI accuses of orchestrating a regime change.
PTI spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram accused the government of distorting Bushra Bibi’s message to serve its own political agenda. He claimed the ruling coalition was attempting to harm Pak-Saudi ties to deflect from ongoing protests against their governance.
Imran Khan, through a statement on X (formerly Twitter), reiterated his respect for Saudi Arabia and its leadership, particularly Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whom he called a close ally. Khan claimed the government was twisting his wife’s words to sabotage PTI’s November 24 protests.
Allegations of Political Vendetta
PTI leaders argued that the government’s focus on Bushra Bibi’s statement was part of a broader campaign to target the former prime minister and his family. Lawyer Faisal Chaudhry dismissed allegations against her, insisting that her remarks were taken out of context.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government spokesperson Barrister Saif accused the federal government of deliberately exaggerating the statement to undermine PTI and distract the public from pressing national issues.
The controversy has further escalated tensions between the ruling coalition and PTI, with both sides accusing each other of compromising national interests. While the federal government has reiterated its commitment to protecting Pakistan’s relations with Saudi Arabia, PTI remains steadfast in defending Bushra Bibi, framing the incident as part of a political witch hunt.