ছবি: Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi, and Saudi Crown Prince Salman. Photo: Collected
Bushra Bibi, the wife of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, has accused Saudi Arabia of playing a significant role in removing her husband from power. In a video message released ahead of a planned protest demanding Khan's release from prison, she urged supporters to gather in Islamabad on November 24.
According to a report by Geo News on Friday (November 22), Bushra Bibi made this claim while addressing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters. She alleged that Saudi officials had expressed dissatisfaction with Imran Khan’s actions during his tenure as Prime Minister, leading to his government’s downfall in 2022.
“When Imran Khan visited Medina, the then-army chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, received a call from Saudi officials. They complained, saying, ‘We are displeased with Imran Khan. Why have you brought such a person? We don’t favor personalities like him,’” Bushra stated. She further alleged that a propaganda campaign against Khan followed, labeling him a ‘Jewish agent.’
In her message, Bushra relayed a call to action from PTI’s founder, urging people to participate in the November 24 protest without fail. “The date will not be changed under any circumstances unless the PTI founder announces otherwise. Everyone should be prepared,” she said.
The former First Lady emphasized that the protest would be conducted peacefully and within the bounds of the law and constitution. She warned authorities against obstructing citizens’ right to protest peacefully.
Government Prepares to Thwart PTI Protest Amid Rising Tensions
In response to the PTI’s protest call, the Pakistani government has begun taking measures to prevent demonstrators from reaching Islamabad. Reports indicate that authorities are preparing to block key roads leading to the capital with shipping containers, razor wire, and barricades.
Law enforcement agencies have tightened security in Rawalpindi, a neighboring city, and are planning to seal 50 access points to prevent PTI workers from entering Islamabad. According to police sources, heavy contingents of police and elite forces will be deployed, and strict security measures will be implemented to maintain law and order. “Extraordinary security arrangements will be in place to protect citizens’ lives and property,” a senior police officer stated. However, water cannons and rubber bullets are being avoided to minimize confrontation with protesters.
As part of a crackdown, authorities have already detained over 30 PTI activists since Tuesday night. Police fear that some protestors may attempt to carry weapons. Furthermore, mobile internet services may be suspended in the lead-up to the demonstration.
The PTI's November 24 protest has added to the political instability in Pakistan, with the government and opposition at loggerheads over Khan's detention and the broader direction of the country’s politics.
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