The co-author of The Economist’s investigative report on Bushra Bibi and Imran Khan has spoken to Samaa TV, sharing details about the process, findings, and allegations included in the publication.
Bushra Taskeen said the report was built on 10 months of evidence collection, followed by three months of verification to ensure the material was publishable.
She claimed that the report contained extensive information about government decisions, ministry names, and oath-taking timelines, asserting that these details emerged as her team worked deeper into the story.
Claims about decision-making and political dynamics
According to Taskeen, the PTI founder was told before his marriage that he “could become the prime minister after marriage,” and that senior political figures, including Jahangir Tareen and Aun Chaudhry, were “kept away from PTI.”
She further alleged that “many other political individuals” were distanced from the party during that period.
Taskeen claimed that governance promises made by the PTI founder -- such as jobs, housing, and service delivery -- were not fulfilled. She added that her team initially thought “Bushra Bibi’s spirits” might help in delivering on those promises, describing the belief as part of local folklore surrounding supernatural practices.
Allegations regarding influence, internal party affairs
Taskeen alleged that incidents of “witchcraft and spiritual practices” were taking place not only in ordinary homes across the subcontinent but also within the home of the then-prime minister. She claimed that party matters were “run by magic” and that if there had been genuine spiritual foresight, the founder and the country “would not have reached this point.”
Also Read: Bushra Bibi 'influenced' PTI governance through spiritual guidance
According to Taskeen, Bushra Bibi had significant influence over the prime minister, attending high-profile meetings and, at times, taking decisions “even in the presence of General Bajwa".
She described the PTI founder as a “puppet” in her hands, alleging that key decisions were made only after consultation with Bushra Bibi -- and that her word would be final.
Claims regarding ISI DG
Taskeen also claimed that the ISI chief had presented evidence of corruption to the prime minister, and that the intelligence chief was later “dismissed overnight without a ceremony.”
She alleged that the PTI founder believed in certain predictions -- such as impending disaster or a good harvest -- because they were said to occur within “two to five days,” attributing this belief to his trust in Bushra Bibi’s spiritual knowledge.
Also Read: PTI issues first reaction to 'defamatory' article against Bushra Bibi
According to Taskeen, this reflected a lack of firmness in faith, leading the founder to “pay more attention to such things.”
Taskeen told Samaa TV that the report covered multiple complex topics, some of which took months to complete and verify.
She said the team worked to make the material “publishable,” ensuring it met editorial standards before release.
