Overview
- The Economist published allegations that Bushra Bibi wielded spiritual influence over government decisions during Imran Khan’s tenure, including transfers and appointments.
- Pakistani outlets amplified co-author Bushra Taskin’s remarks describing evidence-gathering around claims of “black magic,” which she said helped explain officials’ accounts.
- Ruling-party figures, including Information Minister Atta Ullah Tarar and PML-N’s Talal Chaudhry, pointed to the article as validation of long-standing accusations about decision-making through spiritual channels.
- Coverage circulating in local media attributes to the report claims that former ISI chief Gen. Faiz Hameed was part of influence networks tied to Bushra Bibi, a contention presented as an allegation.
- PTI rejected the piece as propaganda, reserved the right to sue The Economist and the authors, and argued the article ignores what it calls rights abuses and ongoing, unresolved cases against Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi.