PM, Defence Minister Slam Alleged Comment Against Kingdom
ISLAMABAD:
The government has unleashed a scathing response by transforming the controversial remarks made by Bushra Bibi, the wife of jailed PTI founding chairman Imran Khan, about Saudi Arabia into a fresh political flashpoint. This controversy has left the former ruling party scrambling for damage control just ahead of its planned rally in the federal capital on November 24.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif led the charge, branding Bushra Bibi’s comments as a dangerous affront to Pakistan’s ties with the Kingdom and a blow to national interest. He emphasized that spewing venom against a country that has stood by Pakistan for decades without demanding anything in return is an unforgivable crime.
Prime Minister’s Remarks on Bushra Bibi’s Allegations
The PM stated that the nation would not tolerate any propaganda that jeopardizes vital Pak-Saudi ties. His sentiments were echoed by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, who described Bushra Bibi’s claims as “unfortunate,” accusing her of tarnishing the legacy of a country that has long supported Pakistan.
At the heart of the storm is a video message in which Bushra Bibi alleged that foreign powers disapproved of her husband due to his religious devotion in Medina, as evidenced by his barefoot walk during an official visit. She claimed that then-army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa received disapproving calls after Imran Khan’s visit to the holy city, questioning who he had brought to the Kingdom.
Government’s Response and PTI’s Damage Control
While PTI downplayed her remarks, the government sharpened its narrative. PM Shehbaz emphasized that there can be no greater disservice to Pakistan than spewing venom against a country that has always opened its doors. Defence Minister Asif also highlighted PTI’s internal rifts, suggesting that some within the party might be resisting Imran Khan’s release from prison.
PM Shehbaz lauded Saudi Arabia’s unconditional financial and diplomatic support to Pakistan, stating that maligning a brotherly nation of such stature is an unforgivable offense. “Any hand raised to disrupt the Pak-Saudi friendship will be met with the collective strength of the nation,” he warned. The PM stressed that baseless propaganda against a longstanding ally like Saudi Arabia will not be tolerated.
Saudi Arabia’s Support to Pakistan
“We will not allow anyone to jeopardize Pakistan’s interests by sowing seeds of hatred for political gain,” the PM emphasized. He urged unity to confront those working against the country’s progress and prosperity.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the Kachhi Canal restoration project in Taunsa, PM Shehbaz reiterated that Saudi Arabia has been a steadfast friend and brother to Pakistan, offering unconditional support to its people and governments across all eras and administrations.
Historical Perspective of Pak-Saudi Relations
PM Shehbaz highlighted that the Kingdom has consistently provided financial, economic, and diplomatic aid to Pakistan, championed its causes on global platforms, and stood by it on every front. “In the 77 years of this brotherly relationship,” he underscored, “Saudi Arabia has never made political demands or sought anything in return, extending its assistance purely out of fraternal goodwill.”
The prime minister strongly condemned the remarks made about Saudi Arabia, calling them the epitome of hostility towards Pakistan. “Saudi Arabia has always kept its doors open for Pakistan and extended generous support whenever needed,” he noted.
Recent Developments in Pak-Saudi Relations
Referring to his recent visits, the PM highlighted that Saudi authorities had pledged significant investments in Pakistan, culminating in agreements that reflect their sincere commitment. The PM expressed dismay over the toxic rhetoric directed at Saudi Arabia instead of appreciating their unwavering support.
He lamented that those making such statements could not comprehend the damage they were causing, recounting how Saudi Arabia provided free oil to Pakistan, even in the face of global sanctions when it became a nuclear power. He recalled that the generosity continued during General Musharraf’s tenure and that the Kingdom has been Pakistan’s advocate, providing billions of dollars in aid and helping it secure IMF bailout packages.
Defence Minister’s Statement and PTI’s Position
Separately, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated that the government is not in contact with PTI and that no negotiations are ongoing. Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Asif alleged that certain PTI members do not want the party’s founder to be released from prison. Asif criticized PTI for “hypocrisy” as the party tried to distance itself from Bushra Bibi’s statement. He accused her of selling a gift given by Saudi Arabia, calling the act “disgraceful.”
He emphasized that Pakistan has significant religious, cultural, and economic ties with the Kingdom. “The statement made by Bushra Bibi about Saudi Arabia was unfortunate,” he said.
PTI’s Response
Meanwhile, PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram said on X, formerly Twitter, that Bushra Bibi did not directly or indirectly name the leadership or government of Saudi Arabia in her video message. He stated that PTI views the relationship with Saudi Arabia with great respect and dignity and wants to expand further on the “brotherly and friendly” relationship.
FAQs
- What did Bushra Bibi say about Saudi Arabia?
- Bushra Bibi alleged that foreign powers disapproved of her husband Imran Khan’s religious devotion during his visit to Medina, which led to disapproving calls to then-army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa.
- How did the government respond to Bushra Bibi’s remarks?
- The government, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, condemned her remarks, branding them as dangerous and an affront to Pakistan’s ties with Saudi Arabia.
- What is the significance of Saudi Arabia’s support to Pakistan?
- Saudi Arabia has provided Pakistan with unconditional financial, economic, and diplomatic support over the years, standing by it on various fronts without demanding anything in return.
- Did PTI support Bushra Bibi’s comments?
- PTI downplayed her remarks and tried to distance itself from the controversy, with party representatives stating that Bushra Bibi did not directly or indirectly name Saudi Arabia’s leadership or government.
- What impact could this controversy have on Pak-Saudi relations?
- The government emphasized that such remarks could jeopardize the vital and longstanding ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, urging unity to protect national interests.
