‘Imran doesn’t have a magic wand’
ELUSIVE FIRST LADY DEFENDS HER CHOICE TO WEAR THE NIQAB, OPENS UP ABOUT HER PHILANTHROPIC EFFORTS
Elusive First Lady Bushra Bibi defends her choice to wear the niqab, opens up about her philanthropic efforts |
Pakistan’s First Lady, Bushra Bibi, has had her first televised interview and people can’t stop talking about all the misconceptions she cleared about herself.
Bibi has always tried to stay away from the limelight, even after marrying Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan.
However, in those instances that she has been seen in public, she has been criticised by some.
From her dressing to her mannerisms, Bibi has been analysed by local media and people.
But in her interview with Pakistani journalist Nadeem Malek, Bibi had a chance to clear the air.
She defended her choice to wear the niqab (face veil), praised Imran for being a “simple and humble man” and spoke about her philanthropic efforts.
Rumours dismissed
She also dismissed some other rumours surrounding her, such as her not being fond of Imran’s pet dog and having had a “spiritual dream” about marrying him. She said she takes care of ‘Mottu’, Imran’s dog and has never had such a dream.
Speaking about Imran’s role as Prime Minister, she said that he will be changing the face of Pakistan but that he needs some time.
“He does not have a magic wand,” she said.
The segment generated a huge buzz on social media, with many users appreciating her answers to Malek’s questions. Soon after it aired, the hashtag #BushraBibi trended on Twitter.
Tweep, Samia Saeed, @TheSamiaSaeed, quoted Bibi and wrote: “‘By reducing a woman’s worth down to her appearance, we slyly diminish her role and her value as a contributor to society.’ Thank you #BushraBibi for helping those elderly, disabled, needy folk and may you continue to prove that a woman is more than just a piece of cloth.”
Similarly, user @eatsleepavoid, tweeted: “As a feminist, I really do not care what #BushraBibi wears. It is her choice to wear what she wants. On a side note, it is refreshing to see her talk about the poor and needy of the country. P.S not a PTI supporter.”
Twitter user Faisal Sherjan, @fsherjan, had a message for those who aren’t as fond of the First Lady: “Three reasons why #DifferentlyAbledLiberals are so hurt by #BushraBibi’s interview with #NadeemMalik. They got scooped by a new channel. She was far more eloquent than any of them expected. She actually sounded more liberal than any pretensions they have.”
Many appreciated her for staying “firm on her beliefs”.
User Iram Ahmad Khan, @ IramFarhanVirk, tweeted: “She stood firmly with her beliefs and didn’t impose them on others. That’s the best part of this interview. #BushraBibi”
However, there were those who were sceptical.
Twitter user and daughter of the late Pakistani politician Salman Taseer, Sara Taseer, @ sarataseer, questioned: “Appreciate her deep concern for disenfranchised sector of society, invalids, orphans, and elderly. She’s vowed to bring change to their circumstances but while spending majority of her time in solitude. How will these two intentions match up? #BushraBibi”.
As a feminist, I really do not care what #BushraBibi wears. It is her choice to wear what she wants. On a side note, it is refreshing to see her talk about the poor and needy of the country.”
Twitter user @eatsleepavoid