The news of Imran Khan’s proposal to his spiritual healer, Bushra Maneka, has caused a social media frenzy.
People even forgot the infamous Trump tweet threatening to cut aid to Pakistan
So apparently Imran Khan’s marriage has now taken over Trump’s tweet very conveniently. ?
— Mansoor Ali Khan (@_Mansoor_Ali) January 7, 2018
Naturally, people were eager to know everything about the lady and media outlets were quick to grab this opportunity
We have many mainstream media outlets churning out stories about Bushra Maneka and many of them just include baseless accusations, trying to paint her as a woman of a loose character.
Khawar Fareed Maneka has essentially accused imran khan of breaking his marriage with wife Bushra, says had a happy married life for 30 years, IK became the couple’s disciple (mureed) 3 years ago & then troubles in family life started and life became hell til divorce 3 months ago
— Murtaza Ali Shah (@MurtazaGeoNews) January 7, 2018
Some are even dragging the other Maneka sister into the mess
This is Maryam Maneka, younger sister of Bushra Maneka. Imran khan was first involved with her, wanted to marry her. She refused and IK settles for sister Pinky. Tabdeeli pic.twitter.com/HmTknayRE7
— Sarah Jawad (@SarahJawadKhan) January 7, 2018
The irony is that an old clipping of PTI’s spokesperson, Fawad Chaudhry, was also found talking about the matter
Irony died today. PTI spokesman Fawad Chaudhary appealed for ‘privacy’ of IK’s ‘personal life’. Here’s the same person tearing open full identity of Bushra Maneka on live TV. please share to expose lies and frauds of PTI leaders to the nation pic.twitter.com/wxNdWBNR6R
— Sarah Jawad (@SarahJawadKhan) January 7, 2018
This Twitter user even went ahead to ask Jemima to not think of remarrying because Khan now has a new “religious sweetheart”
Don't worry bhabi you are out Mr khan already got married to his religious sweetheart bushra maneka. Sorry no chance now.
Btw you can post tyrain khan pics now to built up pressure— ?? aMo ?? (@amo_kool) January 7, 2018
Here’s another
Khan sahab has nothing to do with the rumours.. Imran juss start spending night and when he is caught red handed, he accepts the woman as his wife #DirtyPolitics Maneka Bushra
— Illyas Khan Brohi (@illyas_brohi) January 7, 2018
But what was even more problematic was this
Twist to the story: Musa Maneka, son of Bushra, on ARY News denied that his mother has married Imran Khan. While on Geo News, Musa is shown as accepting.
— Abbas Ahmad (@AbbasAhmad5) January 6, 2018
Her son had to address the rumours of her marriage to Khan
Bushra Maneka’s son criticises @geonews_urdu for airing news by @UmarCheema1 about his mother’s secret marriage to imran khan. He denied that there was no proposal & no marriage, then PTI officially confirmed it a day later. Damage control pic.twitter.com/lcdutsSO46
— Pakistan Media Watch (@PakPressWatch) January 7, 2018
When that did not stop people and they accused her of leaving her husband for Khan, her ex-husband had to threaten to take legal action against those spreading false news
How painful it must be for a man whose ex-wife is being mocked by media esp @geonews_urdu & it’s unbridled team @UmarCheema1 , @RabiaAnumm & Talat types to come on tv & give clarifications. Disgusting & cheap media. Get a life rumor-mongers #BushraManika #PTI pic.twitter.com/ysyTPlaABq
— Zaigham (@cyrusza) January 7, 2018
What people do not realize while commenting on the news and tweeting about it is how all of this effects the personal life of the lady
It is request to all respectable Pakistanis ,please raise your voice against this Media Fascism.These Wild Money Makng Machines hv turned into the worst Blackmailing Firms. Today it is #BushraManeka , 2maro you and your family can be the victim of this #MediaFascism RT if u agree pic.twitter.com/pWEh8Zfb0q
— Riz Khan (@Huzefa1983) January 7, 2018
Bushra Maneka is not a media personality. Her life has been very private up until now. The claims of her relationship and secret marriage to Khan paint a very bad picture of her, as per the society’s standards. The blatant accusations her of leaving her ex-husband for Khan, is a very big statement and has consequences.
Mainstream media outlets need to respect the boundary between private and public life and maintain the difference. In their attempt to sensationalize the news, the end up endangering many lives. It is about time they are held responsible for it.