PTI faces internal rift over Bushra Bibi’s spokesperson role

Both Musarrat Jamshed Cheema, Mishal Yousafzai laid claim to the position of Bushra Bibi's spokesperson.

A controversy has erupted within Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) over who will serve as Bushra Bibi's spokesperson following the sentencing of party founder Imran Khan in the £190 million reference case. Both Musarrat Jamshed Cheema and Mishal Yousafzai have laid claim to the position.

During court hearing for the May 9 GHQ attack case at Adiala Jail, Mishal Yousafzai asserted that Imran Khan had appointed her as Bushra Bibi's focal person and spokesperson. She also claimed Khan instructed Cheema to accompany her in media briefings.

Conversely, Musarrat Jamshed Cheema contended that she was designated as the spokesperson, while Yousafzai was tasked solely with handling Bushra Bibi’s legal matters.

When asked for clarity, Khan's lawyer, Faisal Chaudhry, stated, “The party can officially notify anyone for the spokesperson role. I will comment further once the notification is issued.”

Speaking to the media, Yousafzai alleged she faces internal conspiracies orchestrated by associates trying to block her prison access. “I won’t remain silent. I will resist,” she vowed, adding that she remains Bushra Bibi’s focal person and spokesperson.

“Musarrat Cheema will stand alongside me during media talks, but I have always been the spokesperson, and I will continue to be.” Cheema has yet to issue an official response to Yousafzai’s remarks.