Aleema Khan, sister of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, proposed a “give-and-take formula” to secure his release from Adiala Jail, alleging that “unseen forces” are pressuring judges and manipulating legal proceedings.
Speaking to reporters in Islamabad, she called for direct negotiations to resolve her brother’s detention, intensifying Pakistan’s political tensions.
Aleema asserted that external forces are influencing court cases against Imran Khan, founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and that authorities are removing petitions from cause lists under pressure. “I’m ready to negotiate with these forces. They should tell us what Imran has done,” per Dawn News.
After authorities denied her a meeting with Imran at Adiala Jail, while her sisters and lawyers received access, Aleema questioned PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan’s optimistic statements about Imran’s possible release before Eid al-Azha on June 7. She urged party leaders to maintain transparency with PTI supporters.
PTI’s Nationwide Protest Plans
Aleema announced PTI’s preparations for large-scale protests across Pakistan, clarifying that Imran has no intention of calling supporters to Islamabad due to alleged sniper threats, a claim lacking independent verification. She emphasised Imran’s resolve, stating he is willing to remain in jail for the country’s interest, aligning with his past assertions of enduring over 280 legal cases for political reasons.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, speaking alongside Aleema, criticised the federal government and judiciary, blaming the 26th Constitutional Amendment for exacerbating political instability. He alleged that the elections were rigged on February 8, 2024, claiming that PTI’s mandate was stolen, and he vowed to repeal the amendment if PTI regains power, per Geo News. “There’s no justification for keeping Imran behind bars,” Gandapur stated.
Political analyst Dr. Ayesha Siddiqa from SOAS University notes, “Aleema’s public negotiation tactic aims to rally PTI’s base, but unproven claims of judicial pressure risk undermining credibility without evidence.”
Aleema’s proposal and PTI’s protest plans signal escalating political unrest in Pakistan, with implications for judicial independence and governance.
