A controversy has broken out within Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) over who will act as Bushra Bibi’s spokesperson following the sentencing of party founder Imran Khan in the landmark £190 million case. Both Musarrat Jamshed Cheema and Mishal Yousafzai have claimed the post.
During the court hearing in the May 9 Adiala Jail headquarters attack case, Mishal Yousafzai claimed that Imran Khan had appointed her as focal person and spokesperson for Bushra Bibi. She also claimed that Khan ordered Cheema to accompany her at press conferences.
On the contrary, Musarrat Jamshed Cheema maintained that she was appointed spokesperson, while Yousafzai was solely assigned the task of handling Bushra Bibi’s legal affairs.
When asked for clarity, Khan’s lawyer Faisal Chaudhry said: “The party can officially notify anyone for the role of spokesperson. I will make further comments once the notification is issued.”
Speaking to the media, Yousafzai alleged that she faces internal conspiracies orchestrated by associates attempting to block her access to prison. “I will not remain silent. I will resist,” he promised, adding that he remains the central person and spokesperson for Bushra Bibi.
“Musarrat Cheema will be by my side during media talks, but I have always been the spokesperson and will continue to be.” Cheema is yet to issue an official response to Yousafzai’s comments.
