Pakistan’s political arena heated up once again as Defense Minister Khawaja Asif made a series of blunt and controversial remarks regarding former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi. In a candid interview with Geo News, Khawaja Asif endorsed the accuracy of a recent report published by The Economist, which shed light on Bushra Bibi’s alleged influence over Imran Khan’s political decisions and personal life. Asif’s statements not only echoed the claims of the foreign publication but intensified the already polarized political environment in the country.

Khawaja Asif asserted that the revelations in The Economist were “entirely correct,” adding that Bushra Bibi used to pass information directly to former intelligence chief General Faiz Hameed. According to him, the sensitive information she conveyed would often “prove accurate within days,” implying a deeper and more concerning level of involvement in state affairs. Amid these accusations, Asif maintained that Imran Khan remained “fully controlled” both by General Faiz and former Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa during his tenure.

The minister went on to describe this alleged partnership as a “dangerous joke with the nation.” He alleged that a specific woman — clearly referring to Bushra Bibi — was strategically “launched” to manipulate and influence the former prime minister. Asif claimed that a five-year period of “loot and plunder” was meticulously orchestrated, during which key political and administrative decisions were executed under a hidden agenda. He further added that Nawaz Sharif was targeted through a carefully designed legal strategy in the Supreme Court, ultimately leading to his disqualification.

Discussing financial irregularities, Khawaja Asif alleged that the money embezzled during this time was partly shared with Imran Khan while the remainder was transferred abroad through undisclosed channels. He described the entire arrangement as a grave injustice to the province of Punjab, which he said suffered greatly under such manipulation.

Touching upon the foreign media’s investigative report, Asif referred specifically to The Economist’s detailed account of Bushra Bibi’s involvement in Imran Khan’s decision-making processes. The British magazine reported that after Bushra Bibi entered Imran Khan’s life, peculiar “spiritual practices” began taking place at Bani Gala. These included unusual rituals such as sacrificing black goats or chickens and leaving their heads in graveyards, circling raw meat over Imran Khan’s head, and burning red chilies — all reportedly part of spiritual cleansing or protection rituals.

The report also highlighted that Imran Khan allegedly sought Bushra Bibi’s guidance even in major governmental matters and policy decisions. This, combined with her growing circle of influence, allegedly resulted in a strong spiritual grip over Khan, diminishing his focus on governance and hindering his promised reform agenda.

Khawaja Asif remarked with disappointment that despite being educated at institutions like Oxford, Imran Khan allowed such superstitious practices to govern his decision-making. “It is extremely unfortunate that someone with such an academic background indulged in this,” he said. He criticized the idea that “the country’s command was entrusted to magic and spiritual incantations,” calling it a direct threat to national stability. The minister added that if Bushra Bibi had fallen into the hands of an enemy nation, the consequences for Pakistan’s security would have been dire.

Perhaps the most explosive claim made by Khawaja Asif was that General Asim Munir — now serving as Pakistan’s Army Chief — had once provided Imran Khan with a written account detailing Bushra Bibi’s alleged wrongdoings during his tenure as ISI Chief. Asif claimed that instead of acting on the report, Imran Khan became upset and subsequently removed Asim Munir from his intelligence position.

Reflecting on the loyalty of PTI workers, Khawaja Asif remarked that they considered Imran Khan to be exceptionally intelligent. Yet, in his words, “one woman sold him out.” He went on to say that while loot and plunder continued, Imran Khan received a “tip” or share from the money, while Bushra Bibi’s close friend Farah Gogi supposedly smuggled the rest abroad. Asif questioned, “Where has the share kept by Bushra Bibi been stashed? It must be somewhere.”

The allegations sparked significant debate among political analysts. Supporters of Imran Khan argue that such accusations are baseless and part of a larger political strategy aimed at undermining the former prime minister ahead of upcoming elections. Conversely, critics of Imran Khan say that these claims provide further evidence of chaotic governance, internal manipulation, and poor oversight during the PTI rule.

The Economist’s report added further fuel by highlighting how spiritual beliefs and rituals allegedly had direct implications on major state decisions. According to the magazine, these rituals became a normalized occurrence within the former first lady’s inner circle, indicating how deeply embedded they had become in the daily life of Bani Gala.

The escalating exchange between government officials and PTI leadership reflects the intensifying political climate as Pakistan braces for elections. While Khawaja Asif’s remarks may resonate with PML-N supporters, PTI is likely to counter them as yet another smear campaign. The deepening controversy continues to grip the nation as questions grow regarding the extent of external influence, manipulation, and spiritual guidance in the highest corridors of power.