Pakistan's ex-PM Khan defends wife amid controversy over Saudi allegations

Pakistan’s former Prime Minister and jailed leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, has defended his wife, Bushra Bibi, on Friday after her recent comments sparked a political uproar in the country.

In a video message released a day earlier, Bushra Bibi claimed that former army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa had received calls from unnamed foreign powers about Imran Khan’s religious stance. She specifically mentioned his act of walking barefoot in Madina during his visit to perform Umrah—an Islamic pilgrimage—while serving as prime minister.

Bushra alleged that the PTI founder is being punished for adhering to his "moral and religious values," citing a foreign caller's remark questioning Khan's suitability as Pakistan's leader. According to her, the caller stated, "We are trying to get rid of Shariah in this country, and you brought in a stakeholder of Shariah to power."

Her statement sparked controversy, with the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) coalition government dismissing her accusation that Saudi Arabia was involved in Imran Khan's ouster as baseless.

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In a tweet posted on his official X account on Friday, Imran defended her remarks..

"Do not twist Bushra Bibi's statement to distract the nation. She never mentioned Saudi Arabia," he wrote on X. He accused Bajwa of orchestrating conspiracies against his government and blocking investigations into those plots.

The PTI chief also highlighted his “exemplary” relationship with Saudi Arabia. “Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was the first to call after the Wazirabad attack [in which Khan’s sustained bullets wounds in 2022]. Saudi Arabia has always supported Pakistan unconditionally,” Khan added, pointing to the Kingdom’s role in hosting a key OIC summit during his term.

Bushra Bibi’s statement unsettled PTI supporters, with some fearing it could derail backchannel diplomacy ahead of Sunday’s planned protests.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the remarks, calling Saudi Arabia a “brotherly nation” that has supported Pakistan without seeking returns.

“Recent statements made against Saudi Arabia are deeply antagonistic and detrimental to Pakistan,” he added.

“Propaganda against Saudi Arabia is against our national interest,” Sharif said at an event in Taunsa. “Our people will not tolerate any attempt to harm these ties.”

Defense Minister Khawaja Asif accused PTI of using Bushra Bibi to revive its political fortunes. “Their politics are sinking, and this is a vile attempt to salvage them,” he said.

Asif also claimed PTI was grappling with internal power struggles involving Bushra Bibi and Imran Khan’s sisters.

PTI hit back, accusing the government of neglecting national security amid rising terrorism. “Instead of addressing shortcomings, the defense minister is fixated on raving against PTI,” the party said on X.

Separately, Deputy PM Ishaq Dar denounced Bushra Bibi’s comments as “desperate” and urged all political actors to avoid compromising Pakistan’s foreign policy.

PTI has also issued a clarification, reiterating respect for Saudi Arabia and asserting that Bushra Bibi’s remarks targeted General Bajwa, not Saudi leadership.