Bushra Bibi’s Role Sparks Tension Between Imran Khan and the Establishment

ISLAMABAD (RNN TV) — Former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s firm defense of his then-wife Bushra Bibi reportedly sparked a significant power struggle within Pakistan’s military and intelligence leadership, culminating in the abrupt removal of Lieutenant General Asim Munir as head of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

According to sources close to the matter, the controversy began when former Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa brought to Khan’s attention a dossier alleging corruption involving Bushra Bibi, who was the First Lady at the time. However, Khan firmly rejected the claims, reportedly telling Bajwa, “Bushra Bibi is my red line.”

Insiders say Khan dismissed the contents of the folder as biased and refused to allow any investigation into individuals linked to Bushra Bibi, including Farah Gogi and then Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar. When Bajwa encouraged Khan to examine these connections, Khan maintained his stance that Bushra Bibi was untouchable.

The situation escalated when Lieutenant General Asim Munir, then Director-General of the ISI, attempted to brief Khan on the same allegations. This move reportedly enraged Khan, who, within 24 hours, called Bajwa demanding Munir’s removal. Despite Bajwa’s efforts to calm the situation, Khan insisted on replacing Munir and proposed General Faiz Hameed for the role, even though Hameed’s name was not part of the official selection panel.

Bajwa reportedly advised Khan to observe military protocol by inviting Munir for a farewell meeting, but Khan declined the suggestion, underscoring the deep rift between the prime minister and military leadership.

In a recent social media statement, Khan confirmed that he had removed Munir and added that he later attempted to contact Bushra Bibi through intermediaries, who declined to speak with him. The identities of these intermediaries and the accuracy of this claim remain unverified.

This narrative contradicts Khan’s earlier denials. In May 2023, Khan refuted a report by The Telegraph which alleged that Munir’s dismissal was linked to his attempts to investigate corruption involving Bushra Bibi. Khan tweeted, “This is completely false. Neither did Gen Asim show me any proof of my wife’s corruption nor did I make him resign because of that.”

The Telegraph had reported that during Munir’s brief tenure as ISI chief, he clashed with Khan over financial irregularities surrounding Bushra Bibi. Munir was removed after just eight months in office, far short of his expected three-year term.

Interestingly, despite these tensions, Khan publicly supported Munir’s appointment as Army Chief in November 2022. Prior to this, Khan had even called for a long march allegedly aimed at preventing Munir’s promotion. Although the decision on the army chief’s appointment legally rested with Khan as prime minister, former PTI President Dr. Arif Alvi traveled to Lahore to meet Khan, signaling his endorsement of Munir’s elevation.

This unfolding episode sheds light on the complex dynamics between civilian leadership, the military establishment, and personal loyalties in Pakistan’s political landscape.

Source: Web Desk