LAHORE: The claims made by former first lady Bushra Bibi about an alleged foreign conspiracy in the ouster of her husband`s government have taken PTI leaders by surprise, as they are now questioning the `controversial statement` issued just days before the protest in Islamabad.

In a video message on Saturday, Ms Bibi claimed some foreign powers were unhappy over Imran Khan`s religious posture of walking barefoot in Madina.

She said after the ex-PM returned from the holy city, the then army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa had started receiving calls of disapproval. She didn`t specify who made the calls.

The statement seemingly baffled PTI leaders and workers who were expecting a favourable outcome from back-channel diplomacy in the lead-up to the party`s protest.

Talking to Dawn, PTI leaders said the party`s top leadership was `committing mistakes` at crucial moments and taking the party`s months-long momentum `to square one`.

A senior party leader said Mr Khan might have got bail in the remaining May 9 cases, but his wife`s controversial remarks might alter that scenario.

A member of the PTI lawyers wing called the claims `bombshell`. The advocate lamented that the party had become `leaderless and directionless` and mistakes were being committed at crucial times.

None oftheleadershadthe courage andhearttoleadthe party, he said, adding that Mr Khan and the PTI are toeing one line, while the mid-tier leadership has been rudderless.

In a post on X, PTI activist and singer Salman Ahmad called Bushra Bibi `corrupt and greedy` who, along with her family and friends like Malik Riaz, Zulfi Bokhari, Farah Gogi and Gen Faiz, were a `constant source of embarrassment` for Mr Khan.

He said it was `disgusting` to say that the ex-PM was removed because he walked barefoot in Madina.

Another party ticket-holder said senior leaders should be diligent while giving statements.

`We have nothing in our hands and continue looking towards the senior leadership to guide and take the party along but statements such as Bushra Bibi`s statement involving a friendly Muslim country are damaging,` he added.

Though she did not directly accuse Saudi Arabia, the PTI leader agreed that the kingdom and its leadership had been dragged into an uncalled-for controversy.