The exchange of messages between Aleema Khan, sister of former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan, and PTI’s Secretary General Raoof Hasan on WhatsApp, has opened a new Pandora Box, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Saturday.    

Last year on June 23, Aleema shared with Raoof excerpts from a talk between Imran and his wife Bushra Bibi in which the latter had said that she was not being allowed to meet her husband alone.  

Showing her anger, Aleema directed Raoof not to share the talk between the two with anyone, alleging it was all part of Bushra’s ‘disinformation cell’.  

The messages also contained a ‘fake’ conversation between the PTI founder and the jailer in which the former told the latter that he knew that he (the jailer) was being pressured to kill him, and that if he were killed, people would not spare him.

There was also a mention of the army chief in Bushra’s conversation with the former prime minister, who said he knew that the chief was listening to all this talk.

Political commentators are of the view that the messages sent by Aleema to Rauf have raised some questions.

The question is, they say, why does Aleema call the conversation between Imran and Bushra part of the latter’s disinformation cell?

Another question, analysts say, is whether Bushra’s messages had been concocted.

They opine that the discussion between husband and wife also shows that both are trying to spread a ‘false narrative’.

Furthermore, they say that these WhatsApp messages also show that there are clear divisions within the PTI and both Bushra and Aleema, who are pitted against each other, are vying to take over the party.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZT2hHFZEX0

Analysts say that the former first lady’s talk also shows that she is trying to get the sympathies of the people for her political goals and the expression of her fears for her husband’s life is also aimed at the accomplishment of the same objectives.   

On the other hand, Aleema’s objections to Bushra’s conversation strengthen the narrative that the latter is looking to take over the PTI.

Political commentators are of the view that Aleema has been familiar with Bushra’s mindset, and that’s why she has called, what the latter has said in her conversation with PTI founder, ‘disinformation’ so that the party could be prevented from a takeover.

Furthermore, they point out, that the influence Aleema wields within the party is evident from the conversation she had with Raoof on WhatsApp, and surely she does not want to lose this influence to Bushra.

That is the reason why Aleema directed Raoof not to share the couple’s conversation so that the former first lady’s dream to take over the party does not come true, they say.     

Reporter: Ahmad Mansoor