The explosive interview with Khawar Maneka, the former husband of PTI chief Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi, has triggered a fresh wave of political repercussions. PTI leaders are questioning the ethical nature of the claims, while PML-N and other rivals are using it as ammunition to criticize PTI on moral grounds.
Aired on a private news channel on Monday, the interview features Maneka attributing the breakdown of his marriage to Imran Khan before Khan eventually married Bushra Bibi. This interview, following Maneka’s recent release on bail in a land-grabbing case, draws parallels to earlier TV interviews given by key PTI figures upon their release from various legal cases.
Read more: Afghan border trade resumes after Pakistan suspends new visa rule
PTI’s opponents are using the interview to tarnish the party’s image, escalating the ongoing political rivalry between the two parties.
Regarding the interview, Taimur Jhagra, former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa minister, expressed disgust, stating that probing former husbands about their wives goes against Pakistan’s cultural norms. He believes that only “sane and decent individuals across the country” would agree with this sentiment. Sher Afzal Khan Marwat, a member of Imran’s legal team, conveyed Imran’s sadness over Maneka’s statement, emphasizing that such methods harm political stability and the rule of law.
PTI leader Hammad Azhar criticized the interviewer, accusing them of desperation to target Imran Khan. Babar Awan dismissed the interview as “scripted” and lacking credibility, suggesting a lack of substantial allegations against the former premier.
Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif advised Imran Khan to refrain from invoking the ‘Riasat-e-Madina’ narrative in his political pursuits following the shocking claims made by Bushra Bibi’s ex-husband. Nawaz clarified that his concern was directed at Imran’s use of this narrative. PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah urged a shift in focus from the source of the allegations to evaluate their content. He emphasized that the accuracy of the claims should be the focus.
Read more: Pakistani Pride: Erica Robin Makes History in ‘Burkini’ at Miss Universe
Javed Latif, another PML-N leader, questioned the validity of Maneka’s claims, asking if there was anything inaccurate in what he said. Uzma Bukhari, PML-N Punjab Spokesperson, criticized the media and PTI’s response to the interview, stating that the claims presented were nothing new.