Imran Khan defends Bushra Bibi's remarks, dismisses claims of Saudi involvement in his ouster

Former prime minister Imran Khan has come to the defence of his wife, Bushra Bibi, after her comments allegedly implicating Saudi Arabia in his government's ouster sparked backlash.

Khan claimed that Bushra's words were “taken out of context” to create unnecessary controversy around Pakistan’s “brotherly” relationship with Saudi Arabia.

In a statement issued via his official X handle on Friday, Khan clarified that Bushra Bibi “didn’t mention Saudi Arabia at all.”

The former first lady had shared a rare video message a day earlier ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party’s high-stakes protest scheduled for Sunday, accusing foreign influences and former army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa of colluding to oust her husband.

She referenced a 2018 incident in Madina, alleging that General Bajwa received calls about Khan’s pilgrimage, which she claimed led to a smear campaign against her husband.

Following her remarks, government officials condemned Bushra Bibi’s accusations, calling them a “suicide attack” on Pakistan-Saudi relations. However, Khan rejected this interpretation, insisting that Saudi Arabia has been a steadfast ally.

He recalled that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reached out to him after he was wounded in an assassination attempt last November, which took place while he was leading a protest march to Islamabad.

Khan further highlighted Saudi Arabia’s support during a 2022 OIC foreign ministers’ summit in Islamabad, which he said demonstrated the Kingdom’s loyalty to Pakistan.

He reiterated that his wife is not involved in politics, and her message to the nation merely echoed his words in anticipation of the November 24 protest. He described the event as a day to “break free from slavery,” framing it as a pivotal moment for Pakistanis to choose between "the yoke of submission” or “the crown of freedom.”

In closing, Khan doubled down on his assertion that his government’s downfall was orchestrated by former army chief General Bajwa, whom he accused of preventing investigations into the alleged conspiracy.

The PTI leader urged his supporters to stand against what he described as the suspension of rule of law, human rights, and the constitution in Pakistan.