Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Friday termed former first lady Bushra Bibi’s recent allegations against Saudi Arabia as "regrettable" and accused her of attempting to rescue a “sinking ship” with such statements.
According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, Kh Asif addressed a press conference on Friday and said, "In my opinion, Qamar Javed Bajwa should personally refute these allegations to set the record straight."
Referring to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s claims in court about ongoing negotiations, Kh Asif remarked, “It will soon become clear which way the camel sits. First, their slogan was ‘Absolutely Not’ to US slavery; now everything seems acceptable.”
Asif also pointed to internal conflicts within PTI, stating, “The real issue is a power struggle over political inheritance. Bushra Bibi has staked her claim, while three women are on one side and another stands alone. It is a tug of war between Lahore and Pakpattan’s 'power-grabbing groups.’”
Criticising Bushra Bibi’s claims against Saudi Arabia, he said, “The same country she accused has been involved in her business dealings through the infamous watch controversy. Never in Pakistan’s history have we seen such political decline and religious exploitation.”
The defence minister also took aim at PTI’s Ali Amin Gandapur, alleging that he was planning a third terror attack on November 24. “Terrorism is rampant in KP. I wish Gandapur would direct one of his so-called attacks at the terrorists,” Asif quipped.
Pertinent to mention here that yesterday, in a video message shared on PTI’s official X handle, Bushra Bibi alleged that Saudi Arabia had a role in the removal of the PTI government.
She claimed that during Imran Khan’s visit to Madina, Saudi officials expressed dissatisfaction, allegedly asking General Qamar Javed Bajwa why Imran had accompanied him.
She further alleged that Saudi officials labelled Imran Khan as a "Jewish agent" and launched a campaign against him.