PTI leaders deny fake news about Pakistan PM Imran and his wife separation

Tariq Butt, Correspondent

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Political Communication Shahbaz Gill has said the government has approached the country's courts against the journalist who issued "insulting and fabricated" statements about First Lady Bushra Bibi.

Gill said "strict legal action will be taken against those who spread false news about the first lady."

"We are already contesting a case against (senior journalist) Najam Sethi for sharing fabricated news about the prime minister and his wife," Gill said on social media.

Without naming names, Gill added” "You can do politics and journalism, but propagating fake news about family members who are not in politics will be dealt with in a court of law."

The ruling Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders have also rubbished reports about personal issues between Imran and his wife.

Minister for State for Information Farrukh Habib said "certain quarters" were involved in spreading “fake news” regarding premier’s personal life.

Bushra Bibi's friend Farah Khan, during a chat with a TV channel, refuted the news of the premier’s fight with his spouse and separation and denied that his wife was staying at her place in Islamabad.

"I am surprised how someone made this up because Bushra Bibi has not visited Lahore for a long time," Farah Khan said, adding, "The first lady is still in Bani Gala [Islamabad] with her husband and they have not had any fights."

Farah Khan said people's personal lives should not be dragged into politics and condemned the "fake propaganda" spread about the first lady.

Gill also confirmed that, contrary to the rumours, both Bushra Bibi and the prime minister are currently in Islamabad.

A news report had stated that Bushra Bibi had gone to Lahore after her serious differences with her husband. It claimed that separation has occurred between the two. It asserted that Farha Khan has fled Pakistan to save herself from accountability for her alleged corruption by using the name of the first lady.

The prime minister has often voiced his ire against elements, which say or write anything about Bushra Bibi saying that since she is not in politics, she should be spared from any speculation.