Islamabad: Imran Khan, founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), clarified on Tuesday that his wife, Bushra Bibi, acted under his instructions while leading last week’s Islamabad protest. He addressed internal party criticism about the protest’s outcome and urged unity among PTI ranks.
The protests, which erupted across Islamabad, ended abruptly on November 27 after clashes between security forces and PTI supporters. The unrest claimed six lives, including a policeman and three Rangers officials, while numerous party workers were arrested. Both the government and PTI exchanged accusations regarding the causes of the casualties.
In his statement, Imran emphasized that Bushra Bibi’s leadership decisions were guided by his directives. “She acted entirely as per my instructions,” he stated. Imran also called for party leaders and workers to unite, urging them to organize for the next phase of their struggle for “true freedom.”
Reflecting on the events, Imran labeled them as a “dark chapter” in Pakistan’s history. He demanded that the Supreme Court establish a judicial commission to investigate the deaths of PTI supporters during the protest. He also instructed his party to file legal cases against key government figures, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
Imran pledged to support the families of those killed or injured in the protests. He urged the party leadership to ensure the recovery of missing individuals and to strengthen legal teams representing arrested party members.
The protests highlighted internal tensions within PTI, with Bushra Bibi’s assertive decisions reportedly clashing with other leaders’ strategies. However, Imran reiterated his confidence in her actions and emphasized the importance of collective action to achieve the party’s goals.