London/Islamabad, November 15, 2025: Bushra Bibi exercised significant influence over major government decisions and high-profile appointments during Imran Khan’s premiership, according to a detailed report published by The Economist.
The report, authored by senior journalist Owen Bennett-Jones, cited multiple individuals from within Khan’s inner circle who claimed that Bushra Bibi — his wife and spiritual guide — played a substantial role in shaping state decisions. Several sources alleged that her spiritual authority over Khan created the perception that key governmental matters were driven by her advice rather than by the prime minister himself.
The magazine reported that even routine matters, including the use of the official aircraft, were said to require her approval — an indication of the control she allegedly exercised behind the scenes.
The report further alleged that certain elements within Pakistan’s security apparatus may have channelled sensitive information to Bushra Bibi, who presented it to Imran Khan as knowledge gained through “spiritual intuition”. Her marriage to Khan in 2018, The Economist said, was believed by some to have been motivated by her reported assurance that the union would pave his path to the prime minister’s office.
Her involvement, according to the publication, went well beyond personal matters, expanding into areas that critics described as ‘spiritual governance’, which they said shaped political decisions at the highest level.
The report also revisited Imran Khan’s political trajectory — from cricket stardom to founding Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on an anti-corruption platform. It referenced his prolonged political battles with former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, including the 2014 protests and corruption allegations that dominated national politics for years.
Details of Khan’s personal life were also included, notably his divorce from Reham Khan and his subsequent introduction to Bushra Bibi through an acquaintance. The magazine highlighted accounts claiming that Bushra Bibi, a previously married woman, increasingly influenced Khan’s key administrative decisions.
Former employees of Bushra Bibi told The Economist that she regularly performed spiritual rituals, including traditional meat offerings. Some officials alleged that major state appointments and schedules were influenced by her, with several claiming that even the prime minister’s aircraft would not depart without her go-ahead.
The report also cited claims that Bushra Bibi was present during sensitive meetings involving senior military officials, including former army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, and that she often took an active role in discussions.
The Economist article linked Bushra Bibi to allegations of corruption, claiming her involvement led to key changes within state institutions, including the removal of a former ISI Director-General. It contrasted Khan’s campaign promises — including judicial reform, anti-corruption drives, and establishing a governance model based on Islamic principles — with his struggles to meet those commitments once in office.
PTI announces legal action
Responding to the report, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan on Saturday said the party would pursue legal action against The Economist over what he described as “provocative and baseless” allegations targeting Bushra Bibi and the PTI founder.
He said similar accusations in the past — including those related to Bushra Bibi’s iddat — had proven false in court. “Such fabricated reports will not break Bushra Bibi,” he said, criticising the timing of the publication as she remains incarcerated.
Separately, PTI’s Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif accused political opponents of running an “organised character assassination campaign” against the former first lady, praising her “remarkable resilience” despite what he called “unlawful imprisonment”.
Government figures criticise PTI founder, former first lady
Leaders from the ruling PML-N sharply criticised Khan and his wife following the report. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar alleged that Khan had long “shrouded his decisions in spirituality”, claiming that “all major economic and political decisions were taken by his wife”.
He said the former prime minister’s accusations against his political rivals — including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif — had now been “internationally discredited”.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry accused Bushra Bibi of holding an active political role and “controlling major decisions” through what he described as “magical practices”, echoing long-circulated claims in local media.
Chaudhry also referenced the alleged “Gogi–Pinky nexus” involving Bushra Bibi and her close confidant Farah Shahzadi (Farah Gogi), linking it to purported financial irregularities, including the £190 million settlement case.
The Economist also explored internal PTI dynamics, noting that with both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi in prison on corruption charges, speculation persists over her potential influence on Khan’s decisions regarding political negotiations.
The report said opinions within the party are divided — with some senior leaders urging Khan to adopt a hard line, while others believe Bushra Bibi may favour a negotiated compromise.
