Imran’s sister says only acceptable ‘deal’ is restoration of judiciary, free and fair elections

ISLAMABAD: Aleema Khan, sister of incarcerated former premier Imran Khan, on Tuesday said that the only acceptable “deal” would be the restoration of an independent judiciary and the holding of free and fair elections in the country, as authorities once again denied her a meeting with her brother. Speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail, Aleema said it was their constitutional right to meet Imran. She vowed to continue visiting Adiala, saying it was the only way to exert pressure on the “powers that be”. “The family of Imran and party leaders will continue efforts for an independent judiciary and a free media,” she emphasised. Replying to a question regarding rumours of a meeting between the PTI founder and a former military chief, she rejected such claims, terming them politically motivated. “No such meeting has taken place, and such rumours are circulated whenever political temperatures rise.” Aleema said that she had earlier asked PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan about reports of a meeting with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. According to her, Barrister Gohar confirmed the meeting and conveyed assurances regarding access to the PTI founder. However, she said those assurances did not materialise, adding that priority should instead be given to ensuring proper medical treatment and care for the former premier. She also said that if any political consultations or meetings were being held on behalf of the party leadership, they should be conducted “transparently and communicated openly to party members”. Commenting on the security arrangements around Adiala jail, the PTI founder’s sister claimed that road closures and restrictions reflected the government’s “fear of public support for Imran Khan”. She further alleged that the authorities were attempting to prevent discussions about Imran’s health. Aleema maintained that the “objective of the current political efforts was the release of Imran Khan”. She added that any elected representative who genuinely worked for his release would be regarded as a hero by the people. Referring to developments in Gilgit-Baltistan, Aleema criticised alleged electoral irregularities, political repression, arrests, travel restrictions and the use of force against political workers and candidates. “Governments resort to oppression when they lack public support, while popular movements draw strength from the backing of the people. Attempts are being made to silence the PTI founder, but he remains committed to his principles and is prepared to make personal sacrifices for his cause,” Aleema claimed. Rejecting speculation about political negotiations for personal gain, she said that the only acceptable “deal” would be the restoration of an independent judiciary and the holding of free and fair elections. She further argued that judicial independence was essential for ensuring transparent democratic processes. Aleema stated that veteran political figures such as Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas had been chosen by the PTI founder due to their political maturity. She maintained that authorities should grant Imran the rights guaranteed to him under the law and added that pressure tactics would eventually force stakeholders towards dialogue and negotiations. Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said that their only demand was that Imran be shifted to Shifa International Hospital for treatment. Replying to a question about why a forward bloc was made against him, he said that no one can remove the chief minister in KP apart from Imran. “They want to do something with Imran Khan and that is why they are not allowing a meeting with him,” he added. “The propaganda surrounding the forward bloc has begun to divert attention from the upcoming budget, under which the masses will once again be made to suffer,” he said. “I would like to request you to keep focusing on the budget and Imran Khan’s health. They have no foreign policy or any agenda for the masses. We have prepared the KP budget, which will be the best budget. However, the entire country will be affected by the federal budget,” Afridi said.