BUSHRA Bibi, wife of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, has increasingly become a controversial figure in Pakistan’s political landscape. Often seen at the forefront of political manoeuvres, she has used her position to propagate a series of unsubstantiated claims, launch divisive boycott campaigns and orchestrate mass protests that threaten to destabilize the already volatile political environment. Her actions, while aimed at strengthening the PTI narrative, have raised serious concerns about their authenticity, ethical implications and long-term consequences for Pakistan.
Bushra Bibi has consistently used her public platform to disseminate statements that have lacked substantiated evidence, casting doubt on the credibility of Pakistan’s political institutions. One of her most prominent claims involved the political crisis that led to the ousting of Imran Khan in April 2022. According to Bushra Bibi, this was not a legitimate democratic process but a “foreign conspiracy” involving powerful internal and external forces. However, numerous investigations by credible sources have found no substantial evidence to back up these claims. The narrative promoted by Bushra Bibi is not only unfounded but highly damaging to Pakistan’s democratic institutions. Rather than offering any legitimate evidence, her comments have served to fuel public discontent and justify the PTI’s political downfall as part of a broader conspiracy. This is not only misleading but also dangerously undermines public trust in democratic processes. In line with her narrative of conspiracy and victimhood, Bushra Bibi has been an advocate for boycotts against political rivals, media houses and businesses that are perceived to oppose Imran Khan and the PTI. These calls for a boycott have been framed as acts of civil disobedience, designed to strike back at what she deems an unjust system.
Boycotts, when strategically employed in a democracy, can serve as a peaceful method of protest. But Bushra Bibi’s approach is different, it is a call to isolate and economically harm individuals and entities associated with the opposition. For example, businesses linked to rivals of PTI have seen declining sales and public backlash, while media outlets that do not toe the party line have been accused of spreading “false narratives.” This tactic not only harms Pakistan’s already fragile economy but also stokes hostility between Pakistan’s citizens, further entrenching them in political divides.
Bushra Bibi has also been actively involved in organizing mass protests and public marches, which she claims are a means to fight against the alleged injustice faced by Imran Khan and his party. These marches, portrayed as grassroots movements, are billed as expressions of popular discontent against the government and political elite. However, upon closer inspection, these marches reveal themselves as nothing more than political spectacles designed to consolidate power and perpetuate the narrative of victimhood.
The combination of Bushra Bibi’s false statements, the boycott campaigns and the orchestrated marches has had a profoundly divisive effect on Pakistan. Rather than fostering an environment of cooperation and dialogue, these actions deepen the political divides that already exist in the country. The narrative of victimhood and conspiracy that she continues to promote undermines the core democratic values that Pakistan is built upon.
—The writer is contributing columnist.
