ISLAMABAD – A leading British publication has shed light on the significant influence of Bushra Bibi, the wife of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, on his decision-making and the direction of his government.
The report, written by senior journalist Owen Bennett-Jones, reveals that Bushra Bibi’s spiritual influence was a key factor in shaping Imran Khan’s leadership style and political decisions, particularly during his tenure as prime minister.
According to sources close to Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi played an active role in key appointments and governmental decisions. The report suggests that her spiritual guidance often overshadowed traditional decision-making processes, leading to complaints from insiders that Imran Khan’s governance was increasingly driven by “spiritual counsel” rather than rational policy.
One of the most controversial revelations from the report is that Bushra Bibi’s influence hindered the implementation of Khan’s promised reform agenda. Sources suggest that Imran Khan, under Bushra Bibi’s guidance, failed to push forward his ambitious reform agenda, which was central to his political platform.
Moreover, the “Economist” report claimed that certain individuals in sensitive government departments allegedly fed information to Bushra Bibi, who presented it to her husband as part of her “spiritual insight.” This was seen as a way of bypassing the usual governmental processes and channels of information.
In addition, the report delves into the peculiar nature of Bushra Bibi’s role in Imran Khan’s leadership. It is claimed that Imran Khan would not take major decisions—such as flying on the prime minister’s plane—without her permission. The report highlights how Bushra Bibi’s spiritual beliefs even influenced the timings of official travels and decisions on appointments.
The article also touches upon Bushra Bibi’s controversial background. It notes that before marrying Imran Khan, she was previously married to Khawar Maneka. Initially, Maneka had no objection to Imran Khan visiting their home, but it was soon clear that Bushra Bibi held significant sway over Khan. The report reveals that Khan would often seek her counsel before making any decisions.
The Economist also explores the mysterious and ritualistic practices associated with Bushra Bibi’s spiritual guidance, including her preference for specific foods and the use of spiritual rituals for decision-making purposes. According to staff members, she often requested certain foods, including meat and animal organs, which were believed to have a spiritual significance.
Additionally, the report highlights the claim that Bushra Bibi played a decisive role in the dismissal of loyal aides from Imran Khan’s inner circle. One of the most intriguing claims in the report is that Bushra Bibi was involved in key meetings, including one-on-one discussions between Imran Khan and former Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa. During these interactions, it was suggested that Bushra Bibi often took the lead in conversations, influencing decisions that were supposedly made by her husband.
