ISLAMABAD: In a significant development, sources said that Bushra Bibi’s daughter is expected to be allowed to meet her mother soon at Adiala Jail following behind-the-scenes efforts and backchannel contacts aimed at easing tensions over family access.
According to informed sources, there is a strong possibility that the meeting will take place after authorities were approached through informal channels. Bushra Bibi’s daughter had previously been allowed to meet her mother, but subsequent requests reportedly faced hurdles after details of the meeting were shared with Bushra Bibi’s sister and later surfaced publicly in the form of a social media post.
Sources said the authorities viewed the disclosure as a breach of an understanding that no details of such meetings would be discussed publicly.
Efforts are also underway to secure permission for Imran Khan’s sisters to meet him. However, sources indicated that progress on this front may depend on written assurances from members of the family that they will refrain from making public statements regarding the meetings.
Separately, sources said concerns have been conveyed to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf over recent remarks made by KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. The reservations reportedly stem from comments attributed to Afridi during a recent public gathering in Pashin, as well as during a May 14 interaction at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House Islamabad with journalists associated with foreign media organisations.
According to intelligence reports, Afridi allegedly made remarks deemed directly critical of the military, prompting concern and displeasure within official circles. Sources said these concerns were subsequently communicated to PTI leadership. A source claimed that these concerns were also conveyed to PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, who is reported to have assured the other side if the allegations regarding KP chief minister were true, it would not be repeated again. Barrister Gohar, however, when contacted by The News, declined to offer any comment.
The meeting of Bushra Bibi’s daughter with her mother in Adiala jail is the consequence of continuing efforts by some stakeholders to lower political tensions and explore avenues for confidence-building measures.
