Khawaja Asif Claims Bushra Bibi Blocked Protest Location Change Agreed by Imran Khan

Federal Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has revealed that Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), had agreed to move the location of the protest. However, Bushra Bibi, Imran Khan’s wife, opposed the change and insisted on continuing the march towards D-Chowk, according to Asif’s claims.

Speaking in Sialkot, Asif recounted the November 24 protest where PTI workers crossed barricades and headed toward Islamabad, resulting in tragic deaths and injuries among Rangers and police personnel. He praised security forces for successfully preventing what he called the third attack on the federal government.

Asif criticized the leadership of PTI, pointing out their quick retreat when confronted with real resistance. He noted that such actions are unprecedented in any movement or war.

Asif further clarified that the government had offered PTI several alternative protest locations. While Imran Khan agreed to the change, Bushra Bibi’s insistence on D-Chowk led to the chaotic situation. He highlighted her unfamiliarity with managing large crowds, claiming she questioned, “Who will go there now?” but still pushed forward towards D-Chowk. Asif also claimed that Bushra Bibi later fled the scene with Ali Amin Gandapur, whose vehicle was reportedly struck by bricks during their escape.

Regarding the deaths during the protests, Asif criticized conflicting reports from PTI leaders, with Sardar Latif Khisa initially reporting 278 fatalities. However, the numbers were later revised to single digits. He questioned the lack of concrete evidence, pointing out that there were no funeral videos or statements from the families of the deceased, making the reported mass killings unverified.

Finally, Asif expressed his approval of the resumption of PIA’s European flights, seeing it as a positive step towards capturing a larger market share and benefiting PIA’s privatization process.