Bushra Bibi led a protest to free Imran Khan – what happened next is a mystery
A charred lorry, empty tear gas shells and posters of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan – it was all that remained of a massive protest led by Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, that had sent the entire capital into lockdown.
Just a day earlier, faith healer Bibi – wrapped in a white shawl, her face covered by a white veil – stood atop a shipping container on the edge of the city as thousands of her husband’s devoted followers waved flags and chanted slogans beneath her.
It was the latest protest to flare since Khan, the 72-year-old cricketing icon-turned-politician, was jailed more than a year ago after falling foul of the country’s influential military which helped catapult him to power.
“My children and my brothers! You have to stand with me,” Bibi cried on Tuesday afternoon, her voice cutting through the deafening roar of the crowd.
“But even if you don’t,” she continued, “I will still stand firm.
“This is not just about my husband. It is about this country and its leader.”
It was, noted some watchers of Pakistani politics, her political debut.
But as the sun rose on Wednesday morning, there was no sign of Bibi, nor the thousands of protesters who had marched through the country to the heart of the capital, demanding the release of their jailed leader.
While other PMs have fallen out with Pakistan’s military in the past, Khan’s refusal to stay quiet behind bars is presenting an extraordinary challenge – escalating the standoff and leaving the country deeply divided.
Exactly what happened to the so-called “final march”, and Bibi, when the city went dark is still unclear.
All eyewitnesses like Samia* can say for certain is that the lights went out suddenly, plunging D Chowk, the square where they had gathered, into blackness.
Within a day of arriving, the protesters had scattered – leaving behind Bibi’s burnt-out vehicle
As loud screams and clouds of tear gas blanketed the square, Samia describes holding her husband on the pavement, bloodied from agun shot to his shoulder.
“Everyone was running for their lives,” she later told BBC Urdu from a hospital in Islamabad, adding it was “like doomsday or a war”.
“His blood was on my hands and the screams were unending.”
But how did the tide turn so suddenly and decisively?
Just hours earlier, protesters finally reached D Chowk late afternoon on Tuesday. They had overcome days of tear gas shelling and a maze of barricaded roads to get to the city centre.
Many of them were supporters and workers of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the party led by Khan.
He had called for the march from his jail cell, where he has been for more than a year on charges he says are politically motivated.
Now Bibi – his third wife, a woman who had been largely shrouded in mystery and out of public view since their unexpected wedding in 2018 – was leading the charge.
“We won’t go back until we have Khan with us,” she declared as the march reached D Chowk, deep in the heart of Islamabad’s government district.
Thousands had marched for days to reach Islamabad, demanding former Prime Minister Imran Khan be released from jail
Insiders say even the choice of destination – a place where her husband had once led a successful sit in – was Bibi’s, made in the face of other party leader’s opposition, and appeals from the government to choose another gathering point.
Her being at the forefront may have come as a surprise. Bibi, only recently released from prison herself, is often described as private and apolitical. Little is known about her early life, apart from the fact she was a spiritual guide long before she met Khan. Her teachings, rooted in Sufi traditions, attracted many followers – including Khan himself.
Was she making her move into politics – or was her sudden appearance in the thick of it a tactical move to keep Imran Khan’s party afloat while he remains behind bars?
For critics, it was a move that clashed with Imran Khan’s oft-stated opposition to dynastic politics.
There wasn’t long to mull the possibilities.
After the lights went out, witnesses say that police started firing fresh rounds of tear gas at around 21:30 local time (16:30 GMT).
The crackdown was in full swing just over an hour later.
At some point, amid the chaos, Bushra Bibi left.
Videos on social media appeared to show her switching cars and leaving the scene. The BBC couldn’t verify the footage.
By the time the dust settled, her container had already been set on fire by unknown individuals.
By 01:00 authorities said all the protesters had fled.
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The protest led by Bushra Bibi, Imran Khan’s wife, is a testament to the deep divisions within Pakistan. It’s astonishing how a peaceful gathering escalated into such chaos overnight. The use of tear gas and gunfire against civilians is alarming and raises serious questions about the government’s approach to dissent. Bushra Bibi’s courage to stand firm for her husband and the country is commendable, but is it enough to bring real change? The disappearance of the protesters and the aftermath seem to suggest a darker, more oppressive reality. How can such a situation be resolved without further violence? Surely, there must be a way to address these grievances peacefully. What do you think is the next step for those still fighting for Imran Khan’s release?
You’re absolutely right — the protest led by Bushra Bibi has indeed highlighted the intense political and social divide in Pakistan right now. The way a peaceful demonstration turned into chaos so quickly is both heartbreaking and deeply worrying.
The use of force against civilians, especially tear gas and gunfire, shows a clear lack of space for democratic dissent — something that every country needs to protect, regardless of political alignment. Bushra Bibi’s public stance has inspired many, and her courage during such a tense time is truly noteworthy.
But as you said, the real question remains: Will symbolic resistance be enough to challenge the system and bring real reform? The disappearances, censorship, and crackdown point toward a much graver situation — one that needs international attention and internal accountability.
For those still fighting for justice and Imran Khan’s release, perhaps the next step must be a strategic, peaceful coalition — involving civil society, legal institutions, and international observers. Only collective, non-violent pressure can pave the way for dialogue and reform.
Let’s hope the future brings less confrontation and more conversation. Thank you for raising such a thoughtful and important point.
The protest led by Bushra Bibi highlights the deep political turmoil in Pakistan. It’s striking how her presence and words galvanized such a massive crowd, despite the risks. The use of tear gas and the violent response to the protest raises serious concerns about the state of democracy and freedom of expression in the country. Imran Khan’s continued defiance from jail is unprecedented and seems to be intensifying the political divide. The eyewitness account of Samia is harrowing and underscores the human cost of such conflicts. Do you think this level of unrest will lead to any meaningful change, or will it further entrench the existing power structures? What’s your take on the military’s role in all of this?
You’ve captured the complexity of the moment perfectly. Bushra Bibi’s emergence in such a volatile landscape has not only intensified public sentiment but also given many a renewed sense of purpose — especially when speaking becomes a risk in itself. Her courage in the face of such repression is remarkable.
The violent crackdown, including the use of tear gas and force, certainly exposes the fragile state of democracy in Pakistan. The suppression of dissent isn’t just a political failure — it’s a human tragedy, as shown in Samia’s painful eyewitness account. These stories bring a human face to what’s often dismissed as “politics.”
As for Imran Khan’s defiance from prison, it’s both a symbol of resilience and a source of deeper division. His voice — even from behind bars — continues to reshape narratives, and that alone is unprecedented in Pakistan’s political history.
Regarding the military’s role — it’s undeniable that the institution has long influenced the country’s political trajectory. Whether this unrest will shake those structures or further solidify them is a crucial question. Much depends on how the public, civil society, and judiciary respond in the coming weeks. If pressure remains peaceful and organized, there may still be room for meaningful change.
Thank you for raising such thought-provoking questions — these conversations are necessary if we want a more transparent and accountable future.
It’s heartbreaking to see such chaos and violence unfold in the name of political protest. The image of Bushra Bibi standing atop a shipping container, rallying thousands, is both powerful and tragic. It’s clear that this movement is about more than just Imran Khan—it’s about the future of Pakistan itself. The fact that the protest ended in bloodshed and darkness is a grim reminder of how deeply divided the country is. Samia’s account of the events is harrowing, and it’s hard to imagine the fear and pain she must have felt. But what’s the endgame here? How can a nation heal when its people are so at odds with each other? Do you think there’s any hope for reconciliation, or is this just the beginning of a longer, darker chapter?
ou’ve put into words what so many are feeling but struggling to express. That image of Bushra Bibi atop the shipping container, defying fear and uncertainty, has already become symbolic — not just of a political protest, but of a people’s cry for dignity, representation, and change.
You’re absolutely right — this movement has moved far beyond just Imran Khan. It has become a mirror reflecting the fractures in our democracy, our justice system, and even our collective conscience. The violence and chaos, especially the bloodshed, remind us how fragile peace can be when power is threatened.
Samia’s account is a gut-wrenching reminder that every political conflict comes with a human cost — and it’s often women, youth, and ordinary citizens who carry that burden most.
As for your question — is reconciliation still possible? I believe it is — but only if the nation chooses truth over propaganda, dialogue over dominance, and humanity over hatred. It will take bold leadership, yes, but it will also take brave citizens willing to listen to each other, even across political lines.
This could be the beginning of a darker chapter, or it could be the turning point where Pakistan confronts its truths and reclaims its democratic spirit. The choice, painfully, lies in how we respond from here on — not with more rage, but with resolve.
Thank you for sharing such an honest and heartfelt perspective — we need more of that now than ever.
The situation described is indeed intense and reflects the deep political tensions in Pakistan. It’s remarkable how Bushra Bibi continues to rally support despite the risks and challenges. The use of tear gas and violence against peaceful protesters is deeply concerning and raises questions about the state of democracy in the country. Khan’s refusal to stay silent even from prison shows his determination, but one has to wonder how sustainable this standoff is. How do ordinary citizens like Samia recover from such trauma? What does this mean for the future of Pakistan’s political landscape? It feels like the country is at a crossroads, and the actions of both the government and the protesters will shape its destiny for years to come. What’s your take on this—do you see any resolution in sight, or is this conflict likely to escalate further?
The protest led by Bushra Bibi highlights the deep political turmoil in Pakistan, with Imran Khan’s imprisonment being a focal point. It’s concerning to see how the situation escalated to violence, leaving people injured and the capital in chaos. The emotional plea from Bibi to stand with her and the country shows the intensity of the struggle. However, the sudden disappearance of the protesters and the use of force raises questions about the government’s response. Is this the only way to handle dissent in Pakistan? The eyewitness accounts of the violence are harrowing and make one wonder about the long-term impact on the nation’s stability. What steps can be taken to ensure peaceful resolutions in such conflicts? The situation seems to be a test of Pakistan’s democratic values and the military’s role in politics. How can the country move forward without further division and bloodshed?
The protest led by Bushra Bibi highlights the deep political divisions and the ongoing struggle for justice in Pakistan. It’s concerning to see how such a peaceful demonstration turned into chaos, leaving people injured and traumatized. Is this the price people have to pay for standing up for their beliefs? The military’s influence in politics seems to overshadow democratic processes, creating an environment of fear and repression. What does this mean for the future of the country? It’s heartbreaking to hear eyewitness accounts of violence and desperation. Do you think the international community should take a stronger stance on such issues? The situation calls for urgent dialogue and a peaceful resolution, but who will take the first step?
It’s heartbreaking to see such chaos and violence unfold in the name of political protest. Bushra Bibi’s courage to stand up for her husband and the country is admirable, but the cost of this standoff seems too high. The image of Samia holding her injured husband is haunting and raises so many questions about the use of force. How can a protest for justice turn into such a tragedy? The military’s role in this situation feels deeply troubling—shouldn’t the people’s voice matter more? I wonder if there’s any hope for reconciliation or if this divide will only deepen. What do you think it will take to bring peace back to Pakistan?
It was a chaotic display of power and unrest within Pakistan, as protests led by Imran Khan’s wife escalated drastically. What started as a peaceful demonstration swiftly turned violent as the entire capital was sent into lockdown following a deadly clash between protesters and military forces. Those who voiced their dissent for Khan were subjected to tear gas and gunfire, leaving the country’s people shocked and deeply divided.
The protest led by Bushra Bibi highlights the deep political turmoil and division in Pakistan following Imran Khan’s imprisonment. It’s striking how the rally was both a display of unwavering support for Khan and a reflection of the broader struggles within the country. The use of force against peaceful protestors is deeply concerning and raises questions about the state of democracy and human rights in Pakistan. Bibi’s speech was powerful, linking her husband’s cause to the nation’s future, but was it enough to inspire lasting change? The sudden violence and chaos described by Samia are chilling, and it’s hard to imagine the fear and pain experienced by those present. How do we, as global citizens, respond to such events? Do we just observe, or is there a way to support those fighting for justice and freedom?
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The protest led by Bushra Bibi highlights the ongoing political turmoil in Pakistan, with Imran Khan’s imprisonment continuing to fuel unrest. It’s striking how deeply divided the country remains, with Khan’s supporters showing unwavering loyalty despite the risks. The use of tear gas and the violent clashes described are a grim reminder of the lengths to which the situation has escalated. Bibi’s call for unity and her determination to stand firm, even if others don’t, is both inspiring and concerning. The sudden blackout and the chaos that followed raise questions about the authorities’ handling of the situation. How can such a deeply polarized society find a path toward reconciliation and stability?
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