Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Wednesday denounced remarks by Bushra Bibi, spouse of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder, regarding Saudi Arabia as “regrettable” and indicative of a “desperate mindset.”
Dar stressed that implicating Saudi Arabia in domestic political point-scoring was inappropriate and warned against actions that could harm bilateral ties with one of Pakistan’s closest allies.
“Pakistan-Saudi Arabia ties are built on mutual respect”
In an official statement, Dar lauded the historic ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, highlighting their foundation of mutual respect and unwavering support.
“Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are close friends and brothers. This relationship is built on mutual respect,” Dar said. “The Pakistani nation takes pride in its close bond with Saudi Arabia, which has consistently supported Pakistan in challenging times.”
He urged political leaders to refrain from involving Saudi Arabia in domestic political disputes, stressing the need to safeguard Pakistan’s foreign policy from being compromised for political gains.
Saudi Arabia has been a vital partner for Pakistan, providing critical economic and strategic support over decades. Dar cautioned that such alliances should not be jeopardised by political agendas, reiterating that strong diplomatic relationships are essential for Pakistan’s long-term interests.
Bushra Bibi’s remarks against Saudi Arabia
In a video message, Bushra Bibi, the wife of PTI Chairman Imran Khan, alleged that after Khan visited Madina barefoot, phone calls began coming in for former Army Chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa from Saudi Arabia.
Bushra Bibi claimed that Saudi officials questioned Bajwa about how such a person was brought to power, expressing their dissatisfaction and stating they did not want such individuals in positions of authority. She further alleged that Saudi Arabia was working to eliminate Sharia law in the country.
Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister’s Information and Public Relations Adviser Barrister Dr Saif clarified on Thursday that Bushra Bibi’s statement regarding Saudi Arabia does not represent the party’s official stance.
Additionally, sources close to General Bajwa have refuted Bushra Bibi’s claims. Speaking on Geo News’ program Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath, senior journalist Ansar Abbasi shared that Bajwa’s close associates termed Bushra Bibi’s statements as “entirely false.”
According to Ansar Abbasi, Bajwa’s sources stated, “I am ready to go to the Kaaba and swear that the allegations made by Bushra Bibi are baseless.” They emphasised that no calls were received after the visit to Medina and that Bushra Bibi’s allegations have “distorted the truth entirely.”
