Bushra Bibi’s 'Saudi' remarks taken out of context: Imran Khan

Former Prime Minister Imran Khan has defended his wife, Bushra Bibi, following strong criticism of her recent remarks accusing Saudi Arabia of being involved in the ouster of his government.

In a statement issued from his incarceration in Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail, Khan clarified that Bushra Bibi did not mention Saudi Arabia at all, stating that her words were "deliberately taken out of context" to create an unnecessary controversy.

Bushra Bibi had issued a video message the previous day, ahead of PTI’s planned protest, where she alleged that Saudi Arabia played a role in the removal of her husband’s government.

She claimed that when Imran Khan visited Madina, former Army Chief Gen (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa started receiving calls from Saudi officials, implying their involvement in the ousting.

Bushra Bibi further alleged that the calls led to a smear campaign, with claims that Imran Khan was labeled a "Jewish agent."

The statement sparked a strong backlash from government officials, who accused Bushra Bibi of jeopardizing Pakistan’s relationship with Saudi Arabia. Some termed the remarks a "suicide attack" on the ties between the two countries.

Imran Khan rejected these criticisms, emphasizing that his government had "excellent relations" with Saudi Arabia.

He recalled that after being attacked in Wazirabad in November 2022, one of the first calls he received was from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Khan also highlighted Saudi Arabia's support for Pakistan, citing the successful Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) foreign ministers' conference held in Islamabad just weeks before his government was toppled.

Khan reiterated his stance that his government was removed through a conspiracy orchestrated by General Bajwa and added that attempts to investigate these conspiracies were blocked by the former army chief.

Imran Khan also addressed his wife’s role, asserting that she had no involvement in politics and had merely conveyed his message to the nation regarding the November 24th protest.

He called the day "the day to break free from slavery," stressing that the nation must choose between enduring oppression or fighting for freedom.

The PTI founder concluded by invoking historical figures, urging the nation to decide whether to accept the "yoke of slavery" or embrace the "crown of freedom."