Imran Khan Denies Distortion of Bushra Bibi’s Statement, Calls for Nationwide Protest on November 24

Islamabad:Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has responded to the controversy surrounding Bushra Bibi’s recent statement, claiming it has been distorted and misrepresented. In an official post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Imran Khan emphasized that Bushra Bibi did not mention Saudi Arabia in her remarks, and that attempts to distract the nation by misinterpreting her statement are misguided.

Imran Khan reiterated that November 24 should be observed as a day of freedom from oppression, urging the nation to choose between continuing in submission, like the last Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar, or to stand proudly for freedom like the legendary warrior, Tipu Sultan. “The nation must decide whether to wear the shackles of slavery until death, like Bahadur Shah Zafar, or to wear the crown of freedom like Tipu Sultan,” he said.

Khan further criticized the current political situation, noting that the rule of law, constitutional adherence, and human rights have been suspended in Pakistan. He called for mass protests as an unavoidable response to the country’s deteriorating conditions, stating that the entire nation must step forward and make sacrifices.

On the matter of Pakistan’s relations with Saudi Arabia, Imran Khan reiterated his longstanding positive ties with the Kingdom. He recalled that after the assassination attempt on him in Wazirabad, the first call he received was from Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, through the embassy. He also pointed out that during his tenure as Prime Minister, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made a historic visit to Pakistan, further cementing the strong bilateral relationship.

Khan mentioned that just weeks before the ousting of his government, Islamabad hosted the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Foreign Ministers’ Conference, an event that would not have been possible without Saudi Arabia’s involvement and support. “Saudi Arabia has always stood by us during difficult times,” Khan said.

Regarding the circumstances surrounding his government’s removal, Imran Khan accused General (retired) Qamar Javed Bajwa of being behind the conspiracy to topple his administration. He claimed that he had attempted to launch an investigation into the conspiracy through Chief Justice and General Tariq Khan, but General Bajwa blocked any such inquiry. “Had the investigation been transparent, the truth would have been revealed,” Khan remarked.

Imran Khan also defended Bushra Bibi, stating that she had no involvement in politics and was simply conveying his message to the nation during the protest call. He compared her situation to that of Kulsoom Nawaz, who had taken to the streets during Pervez Musharraf’s era in support of her husband, Nawaz Sharif, but was not imprisoned by the dictator. In contrast, Khan lamented that Bushra Bibi had been unjustly imprisoned for nine months on false charges.

Concluding his statement, Imran Khan appealed to the nation to stay focused on the planned protest on November 24. “Inshallah, victory will be ours,” he said, rallying support for the upcoming demonstration.