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Economist Report Alleging Bushra Bibi’s Influence Over Imran Khan Prompts PTI Legal Threats

Ruling-party leaders cite the piece to validate long-standing accusations of undue influence.

Overview

  • The Economist’s special report alleges some intelligence personnel relayed information through intermediaries to Bushra Bibi, which was presented to Imran Khan as spiritual insight influencing appointments and decisions, including a claim tied to the 2019 removal of ISI chief Asim Munir.
  • Former household staff and associates are quoted describing occult-style rituals at Bani Gala, allegations PTI dismisses as recycled propaganda.
  • Co-author Bushra Tashkeen told Geo/Jang the team gathered evidence that made the most contested claims reportable, acknowledging they were difficult to explain internally.
  • Government figures including Ata Tarar, Azma Bukhari, Talal Chaudhry, and Hanif Abbasi publicly amplified the report to criticize PTI, with additional commentary from PPP’s Sherry Rehman.
  • PTI issued a formal rebuttal and said it will pursue legal action against The Economist, while the coverage reports no independent judicial or official probe into the article’s claims.