“It’s a complete lie, I can say it on oath,” says Gen (r) Bajwa over Bushra Bibi’s claim

Former army chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa refuted Bushra Bibi’s claim that Saudi Arabia expressed displeasure over Imran Khan’s gesture of walking barefoot in Madinah during his 2018 visit to the kingdom.

In a video statement released on Thursday, Bushra Bibi alleged that after Imran Khan’s visit to Madinah, General Bajwa began receiving calls.

According to her, Bajwa was told, "Who is this person you have brought? We don't want such people."

She further claimed that Saudi officials remarked, "We are trying to abolish Sharia in the country, and you have brought such a person," adding that this incident marked the start of a campaign to discredit Imran Khan and his family, with the PTI founder being labeled a “Jewish agent.”

A news report in The News quoted General Bajwa’s response to these allegations, stating that no such remarks were ever shared with him by Saudi officials. “It’s a complete lie, and I can say it on oath,” he said.

While Imran Khan has often criticised General Bajwa for his alleged role in the PTI government’s ouster in 2022, the former prime minister has never mentioned Saudi Arabia being involved in his removal from power.

The report further highlighted that General Bajwa claimed Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi received lavish gifts from Saudi Arabia during their frequent visits to the kingdom, even after the 2018 visit.

He also revealed that Bushra Bibi traveled to Saudi Arabia for her daughter’s nikah ceremony.

Bushra Bibi's statement sparked a media storm, with political analysts and parties describing it as both "shocking" and raising questions about the credibility of her claims.