Aleema Khan, sister of PTI founder Imran Khan, strongly criticised the government and state institutions during a media interaction outside Adiala Jail near Factory Naka on Monday, alleging political victimisation and restrictions on democratic rights.
Speaking to reporters, Aleema Khan said she had once again arrived to meet the PTI founder, describing it as her constitutional right. She questioned the legal basis for restrictions on meetings and movement, asking whether the actions being taken were in accordance with any law.
She said PTI stood for an independent judiciary and a free media, adding that journalists would ultimately serve as witnesses to the party’s struggle for constitutional rights and democracy. Aleema Khan alleged that authorities were seeking excuses to imprison political opponents and suppress dissenting voices.
Rejecting reports of any meeting between the PTI founder and the former military leadership, she said such claims were false and being deliberately circulated to create confusion. According to her, such reports often emerge whenever political tensions rise, and attempts are made to suggest a “deal.”
Aleema Khan said she had discussed reports of meetings with PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan. She claimed that any discussions should be transparent and that the priority should be ensuring proper medical treatment for the PTI founder.
Criticising security arrangements around Adiala Jail, she alleged that authorities had effectively imposed restrictions resembling a curfew on surrounding roads, which she described as evidence of fear within government circles. She also questioned the purpose of reported meetings involving family members, claiming that concerns about the PTI founder’s health were not being adequately addressed.
Aleema Khan maintained that public support remained with the PTI founder and asserted that elected representatives who actively campaign for his release would earn widespread public recognition. She accused authorities of manipulating elections, suppressing opposition candidates, and using force against political workers.
“This is not only PTI’s right; it is the right of the people,” she said, alleging that arrests, travel restrictions, and political pressure tactics had failed to weaken public support for the party.
Commenting on foreign policy, Aleema Khan stressed the importance of maintaining positive relations with neighbouring countries, particularly Afghanistan. She argued that border closures and trade restrictions had caused significant economic losses and harmed Pakistan’s export sector. She claimed that reduced trade with Afghanistan would ultimately benefit competing regional economies.
She further stated that the PTI founder favoured dialogue and constitutional solutions, emphasising demands for an independent judiciary and free and fair elections. According to Aleema Khan, senior opposition figures, including Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, had been entrusted with political responsibilities because of their experience and maturity.
Aleema Khan reiterated that PTI would continue its efforts for what it considers the constitutional and legal rights of its founder and supporters, while calling on authorities to ensure democratic freedoms and the rule of law.
