Bushra Bibi resurfaces after PTI protest, says she ‘did not run away’

Published December 6, 2024
Bushra Bibi speaking to reporters in Charsadda on Dec 6, 2024. — Dawn screengrab
Bushra Bibi speaking to reporters in Charsadda on Dec 6, 2024. — Dawn screengrab

Bushra Bibi, the wife of former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan, clarified her position on Friday regarding her departure from the recent PTI protest held in Islamabad.

On Nov 13, Imran issued a “final call” for nationwide protests on Nov 24, demanding the restoration of the PTI’s electoral mandate, the release of detained party members, and the reversal of the 26th Amendment which he said had strengthened a “dictatorial regime”.

A day of pitched battles between security forces and PTI protesters across the federal capital ended in a hasty retreat of the party’s top leadership and supporters from the Red Zone in the early hours of Nov 27.

At least six lives were lost in the three days of protests, which included a policeman and three Rangers officials who were knocked down by a speeding vehicle, officials and hospital sources said.

Meanwhile, top PTI leaders met Imran Khan in Adi­ala Jail on Monday and officially cla­imed the death of 12 of its supporters during the protest.

Today, Bushra alongside MNA Faisal Amin Khan Gandapur, and PTI spokesperson Raoof Hasan visited the families of the deceased protesters, Mohammad Ali and Tajuddin, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Charsadda.

Speaking to reporters, Bushra said, “I am not someone who runs away and especially could not leave those who came onto the streets for [Imran] Khan.”

“I was present alone in the car until 12:30am at D-Chowk,” she added.

Explaining the conditions in which she left Islamabad’s D-Chowk during the protest, she claimed, “Bibi did not run away because Khan had told us not to move.”

“I told everyone not to leave me alone but they left me there [D-chowk]. Bibi was alone there,” she added.

“There are many witnesses, not just 30-40, even those who were evacuating the roads were also witnesses. Even when I wasn’t leaving, there was firing on my car,” she said and alleged that authorities “fired” at her convoy.

The PTI leaders handed cheques of Rs10 million to the bereaved and assured them of all possible support.

The KP cabinet on Monday approved a Rs10m compensation package for each family of the deceased protesters from the Islamabad D-Chowk powershow on November 26. Similarly, Rs1m each was approved for those seriously injured.

Opinion

From hard to harder

From hard to harder

Instead of ‘hard state’ turning even harder, citizens deserve a state that goes soft on them in delivering democratic and development aspirations.

Editorial

Canal unrest
Updated 03 Apr, 2025

Canal unrest

With rising water scarcity in Indus system, it is crucial to move towards a consensus-driven policymaking process.
Iran-US tension
03 Apr, 2025

Iran-US tension

THE Trump administration’s threats aimed at Iran do not bode well for global peace, and unless Washington changes...
Flights to history
03 Apr, 2025

Flights to history

MOHENJODARO could have been the forgotten gold we desperately need. Instead, this 5,000-year-old well of antiquity ...
Eid amidst crises
Updated 31 Mar, 2025

Eid amidst crises

Until the Muslim world takes practical steps to end these atrocities, these besieged populations will see no joy.
Women’s rights
Updated 01 Apr, 2025

Women’s rights

Such judgements, and others directly impacting women’s rights should be given more airtime in media.
Not helping
Updated 02 Apr, 2025

Not helping

If it's committed to peace in Balochistan, the state must draw a line between militancy and legitimate protest.