Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has declared that the recent investigative report by The Economist magazine regarding Imran Khan's wife Bushra Bibi carries significant credibility and reveals serious security breaches. Speaking during an interview with a private television channel, the minister asserted that the international publication would not publish such allegations without substantial evidence.
Serious Security Concerns Raised
Asif emphasized that the report raises alarming security questions that demand immediate investigation. The minister claimed that information passed to Bushra Bibi would quickly reach the PTI founder and often proved accurate, suggesting she was acting to benefit former ISI chief Faiz Hamid. He described this situation as reflecting how overly clever people eventually face disgrace.
The defence minister elaborated on what he called a control mechanism, alleging that former prime minister Imran Khan was completely controlled by ex-army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and former ISI chief Faiz Hamid throughout his tenure. He further claimed this control was exercised through Bushra Bibi.
Revelations About ISI Involvement
In a startling disclosure, Asif revealed that then-ISI chief Asim Munir had once provided Imran Khan with a detailed written report about Bushra Bibi's activities. According to the minister, this action angered Khan and ultimately led to Munir's removal from his position.
Responding to PTI chairman Gohar Khan's comments about potential legal action, Asif challenged him to proceed with the lawsuit. He argued that Pakistan had suffered from what he termed a serious deception and claimed Bushra Bibi had been launched for power purposes.
Allegations of Superstition and Corruption
The defence minister accused the PTI founder of having a long history of superstitious practices, recalling his visits to a spiritual figure in Narowal. Asif insisted that Islam does not permit such practices and mocked claims about Khan's Oxford education, saying that despite studying abroad he became a follower of Bushra Bibi.
Asif alleged that corruption during PTI's rule was part of a planned scheme, with corruption money being sent abroad through an individual referred to as Gogi while the PTI founder benefited personally. He demanded to know where Bushra Bibi's share of this money existed, calling it an insult to the people of Punjab that their leadership was influenced by chants and superstitions.
Regarding judicial matters, Asif criticized past decisions against Nawaz Sharif, claiming special benches were formed and judges made public remarks before his disqualification. He also commented on Justice Mansoor Ali Shah's resignation after disagreements, noting that judicial transfers are common worldwide and should not be controversial.
The minister concluded by comparing lawmakers' salaries with those of judges, arguing that judicial independence must be accompanied by responsibility and workload, drawing from his experience as an MNA since 1991.
