The Economist Report Claims Imran Khan’s Third Marriage Altered His Politics and Inner Power Structure

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A fresh investigative report by the international magazine The Economist claims that former Pakistani Prime Minister and PTI founder Imran Khan’s third marriage to Bushra Bibi not only transformed his private life but significantly shaped his political conduct and governing style.

According to the publication, Imran Khan — who long positioned PTI as a movement against corruption — began prioritizing spiritual guidance, dream interpretations, and facial readings in political decision-making after his marriage. The report asserts that Bushra Bibi, known for her Sufi-inclined background, wielded considerable influence over everything from Khan’s daily routine to major government appointments.

Former staff members told The Economist that rituals involving meat, animal heads, and liver were allegedly performed at Bani Gala to “ward off evil forces,” creating what they described as an atmosphere of superstition surrounding national leadership.

A former cabinet member claimed Bushra Bibi had complete control over key governmental matters — including meeting schedules, administrative affairs, and even flight timings — causing unease among senior officials. The report further alleges that close associates such as Jahangir Tareen raised concerns about “black magic,” after which several loyal figures were abruptly sidelined, reinforcing perceptions that PTI’s internal decisions were driven more by personal preferences than institutional processes.

The Economist also reiterated its previous assessment that Imran Khan’s 2018 electoral victory was made possible through support from the military and the ISI, contradicting PTI’s anti-corruption and “revolution” narrative. Some analysts cited in the report claim that certain ISI personnel channeled information to Khan through spiritual intermediaries linked to Bushra Bibi, further strengthening his belief in their guidance.

The magazine also alleges that Khan removed Lt. Gen. Asim Munir after he reportedly pointed out financial irregularities linked to Bushra Bibi — a move critics say exposed contradictions in Khan’s commitment to “principled politics.”

The report concludes by noting that Imran Khan failed to deliver on major promises such as building millions of homes and creating vast numbers of jobs, later admitting these targets were unrealistic within a single term.