Pakistan: Imran Khan claims his wife Bushra Bibi was ‘poisoned’ in sub-jail

Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan and leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, claimed on Tuesday that his wife, Bushra Bibi, was subjected to poisoning while under house arrest at their private residence in Islamabad, which had been converted into a sub-jail. He warned that the country's army chief would be held accountable if any harm came to her, according to news agency PTI.

The leader of PTI was present at the trial for a 190 million pound Toshakhana corruption case in Adiala jail. He informed the judge that Bushra Bibi exhibited signs of poisoning, including marks on her skin and tongue, according to the news agency's report.

Imran Khan urged the court to hold Pakistan Army chief (General Asim Munir) responsible in case of any harm to his wife. He alleged that members of an intelligence agency were controlling affairs at his Bani Gala residence in Islamabad and Adiala jail in Rawalpindi, stating, "I know who is behind it," reported The Express Tribune newspaper.

Furthermore, Khan requested the court to order a medical examination for his wife, Bushra, conducted by Dr. Asim from Shaukat Khanum Hospital, expressing distrust in the doctor who had previously examined her. He also called for an investigation into the alleged poisoning of Bushra.

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Toilet cleaner as poison?

According to a PTI report, Bushra Bibi claimed that there were rumours circulating within the party suggesting that she was considered an "American agent" and that she had been poisoned with a well-known toilet cleaner. She stated that "three drops" of the toilet cleaner had been mixed into her food, asserting that a person's health deteriorates after ingesting it for a month.

"My eyes swell up, I feel pain and discomfort in my chest and stomach and food and water also taste bitter. Some suspicious substance was mixed in honey earlier and now the toilet cleaner was mixed in my food," claimed the former first lady.

"I was told by someone in jail about what was added to my food. I will not reveal any names," she said.

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Bushra informed the court that she had been treated with respect while in the Bani Gala sub-jail but mentioned that she was prevented from opening the windows for a period of time. Earlier, the PTI party had claimed that Bushra had been provided with "poisonous food" while in custody, leading to severe pain.

(With inputs from agencies)