'She didn't mention which Khan': Azma Bokhari's inappropriate attack on Bushra Bibi draws criticism

Punjab's Minister for Information, Azma Bokhari, has come under severe criticism on social media for her recent highly inappropriate and misogynistic press conference against the former first lady, Bushra Bibi.

She referred to Bibi’s speech during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protests when she said that she would not leave the dharna without the incarcerated former prime minister and her husband, Imran Khan - implying that they would not leave until Khan was free.

"She said she would not be back from Islamabad without Khan, but she did not mention Imran Khan. So what is all the fuss about?” the minister said.

“If she didn't mention Imran Khan, that is because she went back with many Khans. Ali Amin Gandapur is also a Khan, and there were many other Khans with her,” stated the provincial minister.

Bokhari's press conference was held after PTI remained unsuccessful in having a rally in Islamabad that started on November 24 -  a move deemed as the party’s "final call" to push the government to agree to the party’s terms.

One social media user wrote, "The more they abuse, troll and vulgar talk, the more points they get in Maryam's weekly evaluation chart." Another X user commented, "@AzmaBokhariPMLN, this is so below the belt, you wouldn't like it if the other sides throw stones at your glasshouses."

Bushra Bibi had taken a central role in leading the PTI caravan to the federal capital from Peshawar; however, around midnight of November 26, the entire PTI leadership was nowhere to be seen as the security forces launched a crackdown on the protestors.

Media outlets quickly reported that Bushra Bibi, along with the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Ali Amin Gandapur, had left for Peshawar through Haripur, while the PTI supporters on social media denied these reports at the time.

PTI supporters on social media have been strongly criticising the entire PTI leadership for abandoning the people in the dark in Islamabad as the government launched a crackdown.

The political situation in the country became tense over the last few days as protestors defied the government's warning not to enter Islamabad while violent clashes took place between the PTI protestors and security forces, leading to multiple casualties.

The government also deployed the Pakistan Army after violent clashes led to the deaths of Rangers personnel. A notification issued by the Interior Ministry said that the army was authorised to impose a curfew in any locality deemed necessary to maintain law and order.

Interestingly, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi blamed a "secret hand" for failed negotiations with the PTI protestors, saying, "The PTI leadership wants to hold talks, but a secret hand is controlling the party, and it is stronger than all others. They have some other motives."

Naqvi's comments came after reports claimed that PTI leadership, including founder Imran Khan, had approved shifting the protest to Sangjani amid violent clashes. The same was not accepted by Bushra Bibi, who said she would continue leading protesters to D-Chowk till she had spoken to her husband herself.