In an apparent reaction to the former first lady Bushra Bibi’s recent statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed the country’s friendship with Saudi Arabia and warned against breaking the old bilateral bonds.

“I will, unfortunately, have to mention some events here because … a statement has come out yesterday, which I think there can be no greater enmity against Pakistan than this that you spew venom against the country that has never demanded anything in return and always opened its doors for Pakistan,” he said while addressing an inauguration ceremony in Taunsa for a flood restoration programme.

On Thursday, Bibi in a video message alleged that after her husband Imran Khan visited Medina barefoot as the prime minister, he began receiving calls from former army chief General (retd) General Qamar Javed Bajwa.

The former first lady alleged that Bajwa was informed about attempts to dismantle the system of Sharia, raising concerns about Khan’s advocacy for Islamic law.

The former army chief denied the ex-first lady’s claims in conversation with journalist Mohammad Malick. Bajwa stated that no such calls were received upon “Khan’s return from Saudi Arabia”.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also slammed such comments and regretted that such statements were made for “petty political point-scoring.”

The premier highlighted Saudi Arabia’s support for Pakistan throughout history, regardless of the ruling government. He emphasised that the support has come without any demands in return, including recent negotiations with the International Monetary Fund.

“It is an unforgivable crime that you spew venom [against Saudi Arabia] after that. I want to announce as the prime minister that any hand that becomes an obstacle in the friendship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, the nation will break those hands,” he said.

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“This is not a joke. What will they think? Such an allegation has been made that no one could even imagine. Seeds of hate are being sown for short-term political interest. What political interest is this that is sacrificing Pakistan’s highest interest?”

The premier said no one would be allowed to play with the country’s interests when it came to brotherly allies such as Saudi Arabia.

He said those “spreading such poison in society” had no idea of its consequences and negative effects.