TLDR:
Gen Bajwa rebuts Bushra Bibi’s allegations
Claims dismissed as baseless and fabricated
Saudi-Pakistan diplomatic ties remain strong
ISLAMABAD (The Thursday Times) — Former Army Chief Gen. (R) Qamar Javed Bajwa has categorically denied explosive allegations made by Bushra Bibi, wife of ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan. In a video statement, she alleged that Gen. Bajwa received backlash from Saudi officials after Imran Khan’s barefoot pilgrimage to Madinah, claiming the Saudis viewed him as a controversial leader. The accusations have been condemned across political and social circles, with Gen. Bajwa’s camp labelling them as outright fabrications.
Allegations tied to Saudi pressure on Gen Bajwa
In a controversial video statement, Bushra Bibi claimed that after Imran Khan’s high-profile visit to Madinah, Saudi officials expressed concerns about his leadership. According to her, Gen. Bajwa faced calls questioning his decision to bring Imran Khan into the political fold. She suggested the Saudis accused Khan of promoting a rigid Sharia narrative, allegedly unsettling the Kingdom’s position on Pakistan’s governance.
These allegations have caused ripples, raising questions about the ethical and diplomatic ramifications of making such claims. Critics argue that dragging Saudi Arabia into Pakistan’s domestic political battles not only undermines national diplomacy but also risks alienating one of the country’s most reliable allies.
Gen Bajwa’s rebuttal to Bushra Bibi’s claims
Gen. Bajwa’s close associates were quick to dismiss Bushra Bibi’s allegations as baseless. Sources described her statement as a “work of fiction” designed to stoke unnecessary controversy. In a strong denial, Gen. Bajwa reportedly stated his willingness to swear on the Kaaba to prove the falsity of the claims. His camp has consistently pushed back, suggesting that such narratives are crafted to shift focus away from mounting political pressures within PTI.
While General Bajwa has maintained a low profile since his retirement, his sharp response to these allegations underlines the seriousness of the issue.
Saudi-Pakistan ties used as a political tool
Bushra Bibi’s remarks have drawn criticism not only for their content but also for their potential to damage Pakistan-Saudi relations. Saudi Arabia has been one of Pakistan’s most steadfast allies, offering financial and diplomatic support during critical junctures. Political leaders, including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, condemned the allegations as an irresponsible attempt to exploit Pakistan’s foreign relations for political gain.
Dar highlighted the longstanding partnership between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, built on mutual respect and shared interests. He reiterated that the Kingdom has supported Pakistan across economic, defence, and cultural fronts and warned against using diplomatic ties as a bargaining chip in domestic political battles.
Political backlash over Sharia narrative
The allegations also opened a broader debate over the use of religious narratives in Pakistan’s political discourse. Bushra Bibi suggested that Imran Khan’s government faced opposition because of its alleged alignment with Sharia ideals. However, critics have questioned the credibility of this narrative, arguing that PTI’s tenure was marked more by pragmatic governance than by ideological shifts towards Sharia law.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif openly mocked the allegations, calling them a desperate attempt to regain political relevance. He accused PTI of using the “Sharia card” to distract from its leadership struggles and criticised its tendency to fabricate stories for public sympathy.
A calculated move or a reckless claim?
Political analysts suggest that Bushra Bibi’s allegations may be part of a calculated strategy to position Imran Khan as a victim of international and domestic conspiracies. By invoking Saudi Arabia, a deeply respected ally, PTI could be attempting to rally its base around a narrative of victimhood and betrayal. However, this approach has backfired, with critics calling it reckless and counterproductive.
