Islamabad:
Economist Report Highlights Allegations of Spiritual Influence and Political Interference Linked to Bushra Bibi
A recent special report by the British magazine The Economist has raised serious questions about the role of former prime minister Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, during his time in office. According to senior journalist Owen Bennett-Jones, Imran Khan’s third marriage not only reshaped his personal life but also cast a shadow over his governance style, prompting intense national debate.
The report states that individuals close to the former prime minister claimed Bushra Bibi attempted to exert influence over key appointments and day-to-day government decisions. This allegedly created an environment where policymaking appeared to be driven by “spiritual consultation,” weakening the implementation of Imran Khan’s promised reform agenda.
Claims of Sensitive Information Being Routed Through Spiritual Channels
According to the report, some observers suggested that certain members of Pakistan’s intelligence community were allegedly supplying sensitive information to Bushra Bibi. She would then present the same intel to Imran Khan as insights received through “spiritual visions,” strengthening the perception of her mystical influence.
The Economist also noted that shortly after the couple’s secret marriage, unusual signs emerged indicating an unusual level of institutional interest in Bushra Bibi. Although the ISI did not arrange the marriage, the report claims that the agency appeared to benefit from the relationship.
A widely-circulated account in Pakistani media alleges that former intelligence chief Gen. Faiz Hameed subtly but effectively used Bushra Bibi as an influence channel. One method reportedly involved passing future-event information through a spiritual intermediary, who would then relay it to Bushra Bibi — information she would later present to Imran Khan as spiritual foresight. When some predictions came true, the former prime minister’s trust in her claimed abilities allegedly deepened.
Co-Author Shares Shocking Findings
Speaking to Geo News, The Economist report’s co-author Bushra Taskeen said that while Bushra Bibi had long been associated with spiritual practices and “black magic” allegations in local media, the depth of influence uncovered during the investigation was surprising.
She stated, “The spiritual veil she carried and the way she controlled Imran Khan — the consequences of that are now visible in the state of the country.”
Regarding Imran Khan’s political promises, Taskeen added that most of his commitments remained unfulfilled. Interviews with cabinet members, senior PTI figures, and parliamentarians showed a consensus that the failures were largely administrative rather than due to establishment interference — contrary to Khan’s later claims.
‘Bushra Bibi Is an Evil Genius’: Khawar Maneka
When asked about Bushra Bibi’s marriage to Imran Khan after divorcing her former husband, Khawar Maneka reportedly said:
“Bushra Bibi is an evil genius.”
Taskeen explained that Maneka’s remark reflected his long-standing familiarity with her ambitions and strategies. She added that the turning point for many observers was the revelation that Imran Khan had married a spiritual guide -a concept that was initially difficult for international audiences to accept.
The investigative team also reached out to several spiritual figures to understand such practices. Most responded that while spiritual guidance exists, the relationship between a “pir” and a follower is traditionally cautious and respectful –“but here, the spiritual guide married the disciple, which we cannot endorse.”
Alleged Magical Practices in Governance
Taskeen further stated that Bushra Bibi seemed to have access to channels that provided her with privileged information. She added:
“If she truly possessed spiritual powers, neither she, nor Imran Khan, nor PTI would have ended up in their current state. The most astonishing part for me was that day-to-day government affairs — transfers, postings, meetings, and decisions — began to revolve around mysticism and occult practices.”
The report concludes that Bushra Bibi’s perceived spiritual authority and alleged political involvement played a significant role in shaping Imran Khan’s tenure, contributing to controversies that continue to influence Pakistan’s political landscape.
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