Bushra Bibi's Saudi jibe draws scathing govt flak

PM, defence minister slam alleged comment against kingdom

ISLAMABAD:

The government unleashed a scathing response on Friday by turning the controversial remarks of jailed PTI founding chairman Imran Khan's wife, Bushra Bibi, about Saudi Arabia into a fresh political flashpoint that left the former ruling party scrambling for damage control just ahead of its planned rally in the federal capital on November 24.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif led the charge by branding Bushra Bibi's comments as a dangerous affront to Pakistan's ties with the Kingdom, and a blow to national interest. He said that spewing venom against a country that stood by Pakistan for decades without demanding anything in return was an unforgivable crime.

The PM said the nation would not tolerate any propaganda jeopardising vital Pak-Saudi ties. His remarks were echoed by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, who called Bushra Bibi's claims "unfortunate," accusing her of tarnishing the legacy of a country that has long stood by Pakistan.

At the heart of the storm is a video message in which Bushra Bibi alleged that foreign powers disapproved of her husband for his religious devotion in Medina when he walked barefooted during an official visit.

She claimed that then-army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa had received disapproving calls after Imran's visit to the holy city, saying the ex-military chief was questioned who he had brought to the Kingdom.

While PTI downplayed her remarks, the government sharpened its narrative with PM Shehbaz saying there can be no greater disservice to Pakistan than spewing venom against the country that always opened its doors.

Defence Minister Asif, meanwhile, pointed toward PTI's internal rifts, and suggested that some within the party were, perhaps, resisting Imran's release from prison.

PM Shehbaz, while lauding Saudi Arabia's unconditional financial and diplomatic support to Pakistan, said that maligning a brotherly nation of such stature is an unforgivable offense. "Any hand raised to disrupt the Pak-Saudi friendship will be met with the collective strength of the nation," he warned. The PM added that baseless propaganda against a longstanding ally like Saudi Arabia will not be tolerated.

"We will not allow anyone to jeopardise Pakistan's interests by sowing seeds of hatred for political gain," the PM emphasised. He urged unity to confront those working against the country's progress and prosperity.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the Kachhi Canal restoration project in Taunsa on Friday, PM Shehbaz said Saudi Arabia has been a steadfast friend and brother to Pakistan, offering unconditional support to its people and governments across all eras and administrations.

PM Shehbaz continued that the Kingdom consistently provided financial, economic, and diplomatic aid to Pakistan, championed its causes on global platforms, and stood by it on every front.

"In the 77 years of this brotherly relationship," he underscored, "Saudi Arabia has never made political demands or sought anything in return, extending its assistance purely out of fraternal goodwill."

The prime minister strongly condemned the remarks made about Saudi Arabia, calling them the epitome of hostility towards Pakistan. "Saudi Arabia has always kept its doors open for Pakistan and extended generous support whenever needed," he noted.

Referring to his recent visits, the PM highlighted that Saudi authorities had pledged significant investments in Pakistan, culminating in agreements that reflect their sincere commitment.

The PM expressed dismay over the toxic rhetoric being directed at Saudi Arabia, instead of appreciating their unwavering support.

He lamented that those making such statements could not comprehend the damage they were causing, recounting how Saudi Arabia provided free oil to Pakistan, even in the face of global sanctions, when it became a nuclear power.

He recalled that the generosity continued during General Musharraf's tenure. He added that the Kingdom has been Pakistan's advocate, providing billions of dollars in aid and helping it secure IMF bailout packages.

Separately, the defence minister said that the government is not in contact with PTI and that no negotiations are ongoing. Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Asif alleged that certain PTI members do not want the party's founder to be released from prison.

Asif also criticised PTI for "hypocrisy" as the party tried to distance itself from Bushra Bibi's statement. Asif accused her of selling a gift that had been given by Saudi Arabia, calling the act "disgraceful".

He said Pakistan has significant religious, cultural, and economic ties with the Kingdom. "The statement made by Bushra Bibi about Saudi Arabia was unfortunate," he said.

Meanwhile, PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram said on X, formerly Twitter, that Bushra Bibi did not directly or indirectly name the leadership or government of Saudi Arabia in her video message.

He said that PTI views the relationship with Saudi Arabia with great respect and dignity and wants to expand further on the "brotherly and friendly" relationship.