Imran Khan Defends Wife Bushra Bibi's Statement Amid Controversy Ex-Prime Minister Refutes Claims of Saudi Arabia's Involvement in Political Dispute

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Khan expressed his strong ties with Saudi Arabia, recalling that one of the first calls he received after the Wazirabad attack was from HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman through the Saudi embassy. He highlighted the Kingdom's support during difficult times, particularly recalling the successful OIC foreign ministers' conference held in Islamabad just weeks before his government was toppled. He asserted that Saudi Arabia had been a consistent ally.

Responding to the controversy, Khan stated that Bushra Bibi had no political role and had only conveyed his message regarding the PTI’s Nov 24 protest. He further dismissed the claims that she had made any accusations against the Saudi leadership or government, emphasizing that her comments were aimed at those involved in the alleged conspiracies against his government, particularly former army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa.

PTI leaders, including Barrister Mohammed Ali Saif and Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram, also condemned the misinterpretation of Bushra Bibi's statement. They clarified that no criticism was directed at Saudi Arabia and stressed the party’s desire to maintain and strengthen its "brotherly and friendly" relations with the Kingdom.

Akram accused the "mandate-thief government" of trying to exploit this misunderstanding to divert attention from the Nov 24 protest, using Saudi Arabia’s name for political gain. He described the attempt to distort Bushra Bibi's message as a move to damage Pakistan's diplomatic interests and support the ruling government's weakening position.

The controversy also brought attention to earlier claims by Bushra Bibi, who had suggested that foreign powers disapproved of Imran Khan's religious posture during his visit to Madina, which led to pressure on Gen Bajwa. However, she did not identify the sources of these calls.