VIDEO: Bushra Bibi ‘threatens’ PTI lawmakers in viral audio leak

Bushra Bibi, wife of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, has allegedly threatened lawmakers of the party while directing them to mobilise support for the upcoming November 24 protest.

As per the details, an audio leak from a party meeting in Peshawar on November 18, allegedly featured Bushra Bibi as telling PTI MNAs and MPAs that distribution of party tickets would be made on the basis of their participation in the protest scheduled for the federal capital.

Jailed former prime minister (PM) Imran Khan had last week given the “final call” for a nationwide protest against alleged rigging in the February 8 general elections, and the passage of the 26th Amendment. His wife Bushra Bibi has reportedly taken charge amid reservations by incumbent party leadership regarding a protest demonstration.

While PTI leader Shaukat Yousafzai has confirmed the authenticity of the nine-minute audio recording, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Information and Broadcasting Minister Barrister Saif has rejected claims that she chaired a party meeting in Peshawar last week.

In the leaked audio, Bushra Bibi can allegedly be heard as quoting her husband and saying that every MPA should join the main procession in Islamabad with 5,000 workers whereas all MNAs should bring along 10,000 workers. No excuses shall be accepted in this regard, she can be heard as saying.
“If a worker is injured, local MNAs and MPAs will take care of them. No one should get arrested nor allow others to be detained,” she said.

Bushra Bibi also directed lawmakers to “plan in advance” in case there was a possibility of their arrests while en route to the federal capital. 

“Prepare a plan in advance to avoid getting arrested,” she said, also telling party lawmaker to appoint three successors who could lead the caravans to Islamabad in case of senior leadership’s arrest.

“Social media activists and YouTubers should share videos of the caravans in real-time,” she said.
The former first lady also said that the November 24 protest was a “test of loyalty to the PTI founder”, expressing confidence that around 500,000 people will take to the streets.

“Grouping at this critical time does not demonstrate loyalty to Khan,” she said in reference to reports of infighting within the PTI.

Bushra Bibi had last month secured bail in the Toshakhana case after being incarcerated for nine months. The former first lady was taken into custody on January 31 after an Islamabad accountability court sentenced her and Imran to 14 years in jail.