Bushra Bibi under fire for playing ‘religion card’, her claims against Saudi leadership

Former first lady Bushra Bibi is receiving severe backlash for her “uncalled for” video message wherein she accused Saudi leadership of playing a role in Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s ouster, besides “unnecessarily playing the religion card”.

Bushra Bibi, in a video message shared on PTI’s official X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, alleged that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) played a role in her husband’s ouster as prime minister (PM).

In a rare appearance ahead of PTI’s “decisive” November 24 protests, the former first lady went on to claim that the Saudi leadership had expressed their reservations to then army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa.

“The reason behind all powers standing against Khan hasn’t been told before. When Khan went to Madinah barefoot, Bajwa immediately started receiving calls about what kind of person he had brought [with him],” she said.

According to Bushra’s allegations, Saudi leadership told Gen Bajwa that he had brought with him the “custodian of Shariah” at a time they were trying to “distance themselves from the Shariah system”.

“After this, a smear campaign was launched against us and [they] started calling Khan a Jewish agent," the former first lady claimed.

Bushra also rejected rumours regarding the postponement of the scheduled party protest in the federal capital and called on PTI supporters to participate in the release of her husband.

However, neither her allegations nor the use of religious rhetoric sit well with PTI leaders and supporters alike. The same was also heavily criticised by government members.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said that implicating Saudi Arabia for “petty political point scoring” exposed the PTI’s “desperate mindset”.

"We urge all political forces to desist from compromising Pakistan’s foreign policy in pursuance of their political objectives," he said in a statement, adding that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were close friends and brothers.

“This relationship is based on mutual respect,” Dar added.

Speaking to a private media outlet, former federal information minister and PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry said that the statement would affect the party's reputation.

While some members of the PTI, including KP CM’s adviser Barrister Muhammad Saif and Khan’s close aide tried to defend the former first lady, saying that her statements had been taken “out of context” and she “did not name anyone”, netizens did not shy away from calling Bushra out.

Musician and staunch supporter of the PTI, Salman Ahmad, said Bushra Bibi was “corrupt” and a “constant source of embarrassment” for Khan.

“Corrupt and greedy Bushra Bibi and her family and equally corrupt friends like Malik Riaz Zulfi Bokhari, Farah Gogi and Gen Faiz were a constant source of embarrassment for Imran Khan who did not enter politics to enrich himself [sic],” he posted on X.

They, he added, provided the excuses through their behavior. “It’s disgusting to say that he was removed because he walked barefoot in Mecca. So uneducated and so stupid.”

“PTI can twist however it wants to, but this is a poorly done mess up that was not needed, and especially not at this time. With all due respect, Bushra Bibi carries no clout or trust within the PTI audience and her messaging is entirely off point undermining Imran Khan and his movement. Whoever came up with this idea to put her on the screen within PTI should be kept in a 10-mile distance from any decision making,” posted one user.

Another use said Bushra Bibi had “no relevance” to the PTI. “Not sure why she was trounced out to give message. When has Khan ever brought her in public to say even one word! @PTIofficial should say true to the vision and spirit Khan always said… it’s all about justice and the people and never about family leadership!”

“All due respect to his sisters and wife… stay out of politics. Unless you want to join and then work through the party ranks. Wrt [sic] to what might have been said or not said it’s all speculation,” they said.

“Let’s not bring religion into everything… whether someone walks with bare foot or not… it’s spreading jahiliyat in an illiterate population. Please stop selling illiteracy to keep the people happy with you. Keep your beliefs to yourself!” the user added.