According to a special report published by the British magazine The Economist, former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s 2018 marriage to his spiritual guide, Bushra Bibi, had a profound impact not only on his personal life but also on his governing style and key state decisions.
In the report, Owen Bennett-Jones writes that individuals close to Imran Khan claim Bushra Bibi attempted to influence government appointments, administrative matters, and certain policy decisions. On several occasions, the element of “spiritual consultation” appeared noticeably present, raising questions about Imran Khan’s leadership.
Observers noted that her influence allegedly created unease among ministers, staff members, and government advisers. There were also claims involving some officials from sensitive institutions, who were said to have shared information with Bushra Bibi—information that was later presented to Imran Khan as spiritual insight.
The report states that Khan’s political strategy, key appointments, cabinet consultations, and security-related decisions were frequently discussed within this context. The relationship—beginning in 2017 after Bushra Bibi’s divorce from Khawar Maneka and followed by a private marriage ceremony—has gained renewed attention now that both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi are imprisoned in corruption cases. Analysts are debating whether this bond will serve as Khan’s strength or his weakness in the political landscape.
Tensions with the military leadership, particularly with former Army Chiefs General Qamar Javed Bajwa and General Asim Munir, as well as the 2019 dismissal of the ISI chief, further intensified suspicions about Bushra Bibi’s role. The PTI rejects all such allegations, calling them political propaganda.
Currently, Khan’s inner circle is divided on whether to seek a deal with the military establishment or maintain a hardline stance. Imran Khan, however, insists that Bushra Bibi’s courage has strengthened him — and for millions of his supporters across Pakistan, this relationship now appears central to his political future.
