Senior leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have expressed frustration over the alleged interference and perceived harsh attitude of Bushra Bibi, wife of PTI founder Imran Khan, and Aleema Khan, his sister, in party affairs.
According to unnamed sources, tensions have risen due to what some leaders describe as increasing disrespectful behavior from both women. A recent altercation involving Aleema and party members Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Salman Akram Raja at Adiala Jail highlighted these growing concerns.
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“Many PTI leaders have made significant sacrifices, including facing legal cases, imprisonment, and business losses, yet they are subjected to such treatment,” one leader said. Resignations of prominent members, such as Suleman Akram Raja and Sahibzada Raza, have been linked to these grievances, though sources suggest deeper issues remain unreported.
A leaked audio recording revealed that PTI leader Ali Muhammad Khan criticized Bushra Bibi for overruling Imran Khan’s directives by insisting on moving a protest march to the Red Zone. He also disapproved of the November 24 protest being announced by Aleema instead of senior party officials. Similarly, Shaukat Yousafzai publicly questioned leadership decisions, criticizing the influence of non-political individuals like Bushra Bibi.
Party insiders claim that Aleema pressured leaders to inflate figures related to the November 24 protest casualties, while Bushra reportedly contacted party MPs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa directly, bypassing formal structures. Additionally, a recent interview with Bushra Bibi’s spokesperson, Mashal Yousafzai, suggested Imran Khan fully trusts his wife, believing some party leaders are working against him, further aggravating the situation.
However, PTI Information Secretary Shaikh Waqas denied allegations of interference, asserting that both women are respected within the party and play no formal role in its politics. He explained that their proximity to Imran Khan occasionally necessitates relaying his messages but rejected claims of rude behavior or undue influence.