Raoof Hasan Dismisses Claims of Gandapur Forcing Bushra Bibi to Leave D-Chowk Amid Crackdown
Senior PTI leader Raoof Hasan has rejected the notion that Bushra Bibi, the wife of PTI founder Imran Khan, was compelled by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to leave Islamabad’s D-Chowk during a government crackdown on party protesters.
Hasan stated, “It is not possible to forcibly remove someone from such a place [D-Chowk].” He added that PTI is currently conducting a self-assessment to identify past mistakes and considering new leadership to move the party forward.
When asked if Bushra and Gandapur had been held accountable for leaving the protest without securing Khan’s release, as previously claimed, Hasan remarked that the matter was serious and that both individuals would provide their explanations in due time.
This comes as PTI faces multiple challenges, including internal disagreements over alleged violations of Khan’s directives, resignations from key posts by Salman Akram Raja and Hamid Raza, and resolutions in the Balochistan and Punjab Assemblies seeking a ban on the party. Additionally, the federal government is contemplating imposing governor’s rule in KP, putting the provincial government at risk.
In another interview, PTI leader Sher Afzal Marwat alleged sabotage during the protest, citing a power outage on the leaders’ container. He also disclosed that KP CM Gandapur opposed marching towards D-Chowk, preferring to remain within the Kulsoom Hospital limit.
Marwat clarified that the party had received a government proposal to stage the protest at Sangjani, which was rejected by Khan following a consultation in Adiala Jail. He emphasized that blaming Bushra Bibi for the decision to march to D-Chowk was incorrect, as it aligned with the party’s initial plan.
Regarding claims of tension between Bushra and Gandapur during the protest, Marwat denied any knowledge of such disputes, maintaining that the events unfolded as part of broader party decisions.
