A controversy has erupted within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) over who will be Bushra Bibi’s spokesperson following the conviction of party founder Imran Khan in the landmark case of £190 million. Musarrat Jamshed Cheema and Mishal Yousafzai have claimed this position.
During the court hearing for the May 9 GHQ attack at Adiala Prison, Mishal Yousafzai claimed that Imran Khan had made her the focal person and spokesperson for Bushra Bibi. She also claimed that Khan asked Cheema to accompany him during press briefings.
Conversely, Musarrat Jamshed Cheema claimed that she was appointed as spokesperson, while Yousafzai was only responsible for handling Bushra Bibi’s legal matters.
When asked for clarification, Khan’s lawyer Faisal Chaudhry said: “The party can officially notify anyone for the role of spokesperson.” I will comment further once notification is issued.
Speaking to the media, Yousafzai claimed she faced internal conspiracies orchestrated by associates trying to block her access to the prison. “I will not remain silent. I will resist,” she promised, adding that she remained Bushra Bibi’s focal person and spokesperson.
“Musarrat Cheema will be by my side during discussions with the media, but I have always been the spokesperson and will continue to be.” Cheema has yet to issue an official response to Yousafzai’s remarks.
