Incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi has set a condition for changing the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s November 24 protest that seems difficult for the government to follow as she links it to her husband’s release.
“The date of the protest could only change if Imran Khan is released from jail and can personally outline the next course of action for the people,” she said in a video-recorded message uploaded on PTI’s X platform.
The PTI founder has asked his supporters to march towards Islamabad on Sunday for the “restoration” of democracy and judiciary. But Defence Minister Khawaja Asif believes the protest is akin to “insurrection” as the former ruling party allegedly wants to usurp the federal capital.
Bibi’s videos came after the party banned mobile phones during meetings after one of her alleged audios was leaked where she was heard complaining about the lack of supporters by some leaders.
There were reports that some leaders from the party’s top-tier leadership had asked the ex-PM to postpone the date and “everything would be fine.”
Bibi, who was seen in her usual attire, clarified that claims related to postponing the protest under the guise of negotiations were “mere propaganda” and declared that “the protest on November 24 will take place at all costs.”
Bibi appealed for judges and lawyers to participate in the protest. She stated: “Khan is fighting for the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law in the country. Whether it is not the duty of judges and lawyers to join the cause?”
The former first lady emphasised that Khan’s message was for individuals from all walks of life to participate in the protest, asserting that collective involvement was essential for the movement’s success.
She claimed that Khan is “imprisoned for his fight for the rule of law and has sent various plans to ensure the protest’s effectiveness, which will be revealed at the appropriate time.”
Bibi claimed that the nation was seeing the “injustices” faced by the PTI and urged law enforcement agencies to remember that those protesting are also their brothers and should not be subjected to oppression.
She expressed that while Khan wishes to spend time with his family and stay home, he remains in prison “for the sake” of the nation.
Khan’s wife condemned petitions in the courts aimed at preventing PTI protests, calling for an end to such “injustices.” She urged those in power not to become tyrants.
She reiterated that the PTI founder’s message from prison is clear: “he will not seek revenge upon his release. He believes that using power to take revenge is akin to incurring Allah’s displeasure.”
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Bibi challenged anyone claiming that her husband would seek vengeance upon his return, stating that such assertions are “false and made in anger.”
While addressing accusations that PTI supporters are chanting slogans of “jihad”, she clarified that the party has not directed any worker to do so and added that such sentiments were “genuinely felt by the people.”
She alleged that after Khan visited Medina barefoot as the prime minister, he began receiving calls from former army chief General (retd) General Qamar Javed Bajwa. She alleged that Bajwa was informed about attempts to dismantle the system of Sharia, raising concerns about Khan’s advocacy for Islamic law.
