Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has dismissed claims that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is concerned about the conditions faced by Bushra Bibi, the wife of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, while she is imprisoned. In response to accusations from Barrister Saif regarding Maryam Nawaz’s alleged harassment of Bushra Bibi in jail, Bokhari stated that Maryam Nawaz is indifferent to Bushra Bibi’s jail experience, asserting, “Maryam Nawaz doesn’t care whether Bushra Bibi eats eggs, chicken, or yakhni pulao in jail.”
Bokhari characterized the ongoing sensationalism around Bushra Bibi’s situation as a tactic to remain in the news. She remarked, “This is a ridiculous way to stay in the news. Lying and creating sensational news has been Bushra Bibi’s old hobby.” She went on to emphasize that Maryam Nawaz is unaware of Bushra Bibi’s specific cell location in Adiala Jail.
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In her comments, Bokhari highlighted the difficult conditions Maryam Nawaz faced during Imran Khan’s government, claiming they were significantly harsher than what Bushra Bibi is currently experiencing. She noted that Maryam Nawaz endured tough times in Kot Lakhpat Jail and while detained by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), asserting that these hardships were a result of Bushra Bibi’s actions.
Bokhari further criticized the privileges that both Bushra Bibi and Imran Khan enjoy while in jail, stating that their conditions are far better than those of an ordinary citizen, implying that both are serving their sentences in a VIP manner.
Barrister Saif, representing the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, had previously accused Maryam Nawaz of orchestrating harassment against Bushra Bibi, claiming she is subjected to late-night searches and invasive body inspections, which he argues are attempts to mentally distress her and undermine Imran Khan’s resolve. Saif noted that despite the alleged mistreatment, Bushra Bibi remains steadfast in her support of her husband.
