Aleema Khan, sister of incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan, responded to claims that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder has lost political relevance, as the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Assembly passed its 2025–26 budget.
Speaking outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, Aleema dismissed the narrative of “minus Imran Khan,” while expressing concerns over the KP budget’s approval without Khan’s input.
When asked if “minus Imran Khan” had occurred, a term implying Khan’s diminished political influence, Aleema retorted, “I think, minus Imran Khan has happened,” sarcastically rejecting the ruling alliance’s claims. She accused the government of fearing Khan’s message reaching the public, stating, “If the police want to stop us, let them. We are not afraid.” Aleema, alongside PTI workers, was barred by police from meeting Khan at Adiala Jail.
‘This looks like minus Imran Khan, passing KP budget without even consulting him and going against his directions. If they can’t bear the burden, then step down’ – Aleema Khan upset with KP assembly and PTI administration pic.twitter.com/a7wbrGXggp
— Murtaza Ali Shah (@MurtazaViews) June 24, 2025Aleema criticised the KP government, led by PTI’s Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, for rushing the budget approval without consulting Khan. “We don’t know why they were in a rush to pass the budget,” she said, questioning the lack of discussion with PTI lawmakers and hinting at hidden motives.
In a video statement, CM Gandapur fiercely rejected the notion of sidelining Khan, declaring, “Minus the PTI founder will happen when we are not alive.” He urged PTI workers to identify “enemies” weakening the party’s movement and took a veiled jab at Aleema, suggesting “few people” were undermining Khan’s cause. Gandapur clarified that Khan did not oppose the budget presentation and affirmed his readiness to dissolve the KP government if Khan directs.
After executing the minus-Imran Khan project for the military, the drunkard and pedophile Ali Amin Gandapur posts a video claiming no one, not even the military’s father, can minus Imran Khan. The military doesn’t need their father. It did it using its slave, bastard Gandapur. pic.twitter.com/eRfiRwFjRI
— Pakistan Walli (@pakistanwalli) June 24, 2025Imran Khan, 71, has been imprisoned since August 2023. He faces charges ranging from corruption to terrorism following his ouster via a no-confidence motion in April 2022. The May 9, 2023, protests, sparked by his arrest, led to violent attacks on military sites, further complicating his legal battles. On June 24, 2025, the Lahore High Court rejected Khan’s bail in eight May 9 cases, including the Jinnah House attack.
Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah recently dismissed prospects of a deal for Khan, citing “extreme mistrust” with the establishment. Sanaullah emphasised dialogue among political parties as the only path forward, underscoring the deep divide in Pakistan’s political landscape.
Read: Lahore High Court Denies Imran Khan Bail in Eight May 9 Cases
Aleema’s remarks and Gandapur’s rebuttal highlight internal PTI tensions and external pressures. The KP budget controversy raises questions about party coordination, while Khan’s incarceration limits his direct influence. Despite claims of irrelevance, Khan’s enduring support base and Gandapur’s loyalty suggest PTI remains a potent force. However, mistrust of the establishment and ongoing legal battles pose significant hurdles.
