Bajwa denies Saudi role in Imran's ouster

Refuting Bushra Bibi's statement about Saudi government's role in the ouster of former premier Imran Khan, ex-army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia held friendly ties during the PTI regime.

Talking to Express News, the former army chief termed Bushra Bibi's statement a pack of lies. He asked how a friendly country could interfere in Pakistan's internal affairs.

He pointed out that the OIC summit was held in Islamabad on March 21, 2022, questioning whether there had been any tension in the ties between both countries, would Saudi Arabia have allowed the summit to take place in Pakistan.

Detailing Imran's visit to KSA, Bajwa said Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman himself came to receive the former in Jeddah. "Shah Mehmood Qureshi and I were present at the dinner during the visit," said Bajwa.

The ex-army chief said he had no inkling as to what is wrong with Bushra Bibi. He expressed concern over her statement, saying Imran can endorse it to make it a narrative.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar remarked in response to media queries regarding the comments made by Bushra Bibi regarding KSA, saying Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are close friends and brothers. This relationship is based on mutual respect.

"We have great admiration for Saudi Arabia's journey of development and prosperity. The Pakistani nation is proud of its close relationship with Saudi Arabia which has always stood by Pakistan through thick and thin," mentioned Dar.

Implicating Saudi Arabia for petty political point-scoring is regrettable and indicative of a desperate mindset, asserted Dar, adding, "We urge all political forces to desist from compromising Pakistan's foreign policy in pursuance of their political objectives."

In addition, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Saudi Arabia has always provided support to Pakistan at difficult times, adding it is condemnable to make irresponsible statements regarding friendly countries. He termed false and unwarranted statements for political gain a condemnable act.

He said PTI had earlier levelled allegations against the USA for hatching conspiracy and taunted Pakistan as their slave. He said some people use religion and faith for politics but their own matters link to those countries that they criticize. "These people take gifts from these countries and sell them illegally," said Tarar.

The information minister said it is against the national interest to negatively politicize Pakistan's friendly countries. He expressed Pakistan's resolve to strengthen ties with friendly countries, adding such irresponsible statements will not be tolerated.