Maryam Wattoo claims Bushra Bibi was forcibly removed from PTI protest

ISLAMABAD: Sister of Bushra Bibi, Maryam Riaz Wattoo, alleged that her sister was forcibly removed from the D-Chowk protest site during a recent security operation in Islamabad, on Wednesday.

A video emerged online showing the former First Lady, wife of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder, Imran Khan, transferring from her vehicle to that of party colleague, Ali Amin Gandapur.

Read more: PTI leadership, hundreds of workers booked in nine FIRs

This raised serious questions about the circumstances surrounding her disappearance amid escalating tensions as hundreds of PTI workers were imprisoned.   

Reports indicate Bushra Bibi was observed exiting her car at around 11:57 pm on Tuesday in sector G8, shortly after law enforcement actions on Jinnah Avenue.

Sources suggest that the former First Lady and Gandapur subsequently traveled from Margalla Road to Pir Sohawa road. They ultimately made their way back towards Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Meanwhile, Maryam Riaz Wattoo is asserting her sister did not leave D-Chowk of her own volition.

Maryam Wattoo alleged that Bushra Bibi was unaware of a press conference conducted by Gandapur and had instructed her security personnel to follow her vehicle.

She further alleged that a flat tyre on her sister’s car necessitated the switch to Gandapur’s vehicle.

The nationwide protests were initiated calling for the release of former prime minister, Imran Khan. Maryam Wattoo says that the protestors were acting in support of their party members.

She also noted that Barristers Gohar and Saif had visited Bushra Bibi at the request of ‘concerned parties’.

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Bushra Bibi has faced legal issues previously, having spent up to nine months incarcerated. Her recent movements have raised concerns regarding her safety and the circumstances surrounding her sudden departure.