A day after Bushra Bibi’s remarks stirred controversy by suggesting Saudi involvement in the ouster of her husband’s government, former Prime Minister Imran Khan defended her, stating her comments were “deliberately taken out of context to create unnecessary controversy with our brotherly nation.”
“Her statement did not specifically mention Saudi Arabia,” clarified the former premier, who had been incarcerated at Adiala Jail since last August, in a statement released through his official X handle.
“November 24th is the day to break free from slavery. The rule of law, constitution, and human rights are suspended in Pakistan, forcing the nation to come out to protest and make sacrifices. The nation must decide whether to wear the yoke of slavery like Bahadur Shah Zafar or to…
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) November 22, 2024The former first lady had previously issued a video message accusing external forces of playing a role in the political upheaval. She cited a specific incident in which, after visiting Madina barefoot, former army chief Gen (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa received calls from concerned parties, indirectly hinting at Saudi involvement.
Read: Bushra Bibi Confirms PTI Protest on November 24 Will Proceed
She claimed that these parties questioned Bajwa about Khan’s presence, subsequently labelling him unfavourably and initiating a campaign against him. This statement provoked sharp criticism from government officials, who described it as detrimental to Pakistan-Saudi relations.
Countering these criticisms, Khan reiterated his “excellent relations” with Saudi Arabia, noting supportive gestures from Saudi leaders, including a prompt communication from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman after Khan was attacked in Wazirabad.
Khan detailed further the successful hosting of the OIC foreign minister’s conference in Islamabad, emphasizing Saudi support just two weeks before his government’s dismissal.
Khan accused Gen Bajwa of orchestrating his government’s fall, a claim he tried to investigate with top officials but was blocked by Bajwa.
He also stressed that his wife, though not politically active, was merely conveying his message about the critical “do-or-die” protest scheduled for November 24.
