British magazine The Economist has published a detailed report highlighting the unusual rituals and significant political influence of Bushra Bibi, the wife of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, inside the Prime Minister’s House and in the political workings of Pakistan during Khan’s tenure.

According to the report, after Bushra Bibi came into Imran Khan’s life, a series of unusual rituals reportedly began in the PM’s residence. These included rotating raw meat around Imran Khan’s head, burning red chilies, and disposing of black goat or chicken heads in graveyards. Occasionally, live black goats were also brought in as part of these rituals. Local butchers confirmed that such unusual orders were placed during her time in the household.

Bushra Bibi, described as both a spiritual guide and the wife of the former Prime Minister, reportedly exerted considerable influence over Khan’s personal and political decisions. Observers argue that her presence significantly affected his political approach, and her spiritual counsel often guided official decision-making. Former close aides of Khan told journalists that Bushra Bibi had considerable control over ministerial appointments and day-to-day governance, which created a perception that Khan’s political decisions were heavily influenced by spiritual advice.

The report highlights that this influence sometimes hindered Khan’s ability to implement his reform agenda. Cabinet members and party insiders noted that decisions, which should have been based on policy and administrative considerations, were often subjected to her spiritual guidance. This led to criticism within political circles that Khan’s focus on reforms was compromised due to reliance on personal spiritual advice.

Moreover, party insiders reported a culture of caution around criticizing Bushra Bibi. According to The Economist, within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), there was a perception that anyone who openly criticized her could face expulsion or marginalization within the party. Former party members, such as Jahangir Tareen, indicated that even casual remarks against her could jeopardize their political careers. Bushra Bibi herself reportedly addressed such concerns, explaining that her attire and demeanor were intended to counter perceptions that she practiced black magic.

The report also notes that Imran Khan’s close aides and household staff confirmed the unusual rituals and her extensive involvement in personal and official decisions. Her spiritual guidance extended to minor details, including determining flight timings and other daily activities. In one instance, a flight was delayed for four hours because, according to Bushra Bibi, the timing was not auspicious. This revealed the depth of her influence over Khan’s routine and governance.

The Economist further reported that Pakistan’s intelligence agencies had shown interest in Bushra Bibi soon after her secret marriage to Khan. While the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) did not arrange the marriage, there were indications that the agency benefited from her access to Khan. Former intelligence chief General Faiz Hameed reportedly used her influence subtly but effectively, providing her with information about upcoming political events, which she relayed to Khan as spiritual insights. When her predictions proved accurate, Khan’s trust in her guidance deepened further.

Bushra Bibi’s influence was not limited to politics; it also impacted Khan’s relationships with the military. Senior military officials, including General Bajwa, reportedly expressed concerns that Khan overly relied on his wife’s advice. The report links the removal of then-ISI Chief General Asim Munir in 2019 to her influence and notes that multiple cases were filed against both Khan and Bushra Bibi after their ouster in 2022.

Additionally, some PTI leaders believe that Bushra Bibi played a role in fostering Khan’s inclination toward reconciliation with the military, whereas other party hardliners, including Khan’s sister Alima Khan, were opposed to compromise. The tension between these factions, combined with her spiritual and personal influence, shaped key decisions during Khan’s administration and affected his political trajectory.

The Economist emphasizes that while Bushra Bibi’s spiritual role brought her public attention, her real influence lay in shaping decisions behind the scenes, affecting not just Khan’s personal life but also Pakistan’s political landscape. Critics and opponents highlighted that her involvement in governance, coupled with the unusual rituals reported by household staff, made her a controversial figure both within PTI and in the broader political discourse.