PTI Disavows Bushra Bibi's Claims on Saudi Arabia's Role in Imran Khan's Ouster Party Clarifies Remarks as Personal Opinions Amid Growing Tensions with Government Officials

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In a statement to Geo News, Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, Advisor to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Information and Public Relations, clarified that Bushra Bibi's comments were personal opinions and did not represent the official stance of PTI. He emphasized that only the party chairman or secretary general has the authority to articulate PTI's official position.

"Her statement was not issued on behalf of the party, and it is baseless to link her personal views with PTI policy," Saif asserted, dismissing any attempts to associate her remarks with the party's agenda. He further noted that PTI has never claimed Saudi Arabia was involved in Khan’s ousting.

In a rare video message shared on PTI’s official X account, Bushra Bibi alleged that Saudi officials had expressed dissatisfaction with Khan’s visit to Madina in 2022. She claimed that the then-army chief, General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa, received calls from Saudi officials questioning Khan’s presence, stating, “We don’t want such personalities.”

Bushra Bibi suggested that this incident led to a smear campaign branding Khan as a “Jewish agent,” ultimately contributing to his removal from office. In the same video, she urged PTI supporters to participate in a scheduled protest on November 24 in Islamabad, affirming that the demonstration would remain peaceful and constitutional.

Her comments have sparked significant backlash from government officials and stakeholders, who criticized her allegations as detrimental to Pakistan-Saudi relations. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar condemned Bushra Bibi, highlighting that she organized her daughter’s wedding in the very country she accused of conspiring against her husband. He also referenced the Toshakhana case, claiming that gifts from Saudi Arabia were sold on the black market.

Maulana Tahir Ashrafi, chairman of the Pakistan Ulema Council and a member of Imran Khan’s delegation to Saudi Arabia, refuted any claims of diplomatic tension, stating that Khan received more than he requested during his visit.

Senior journalist Ansar Abbasi reported that sources close to General (retd) Bajwa also dismissed Bushra Bibi's allegations, confirming that no calls were received following the visit.

The unfolding situation highlights the complexities of political discourse in Pakistan and its implications for international relations, particularly with Saudi Arabia.