A tense courtroom that is meetings unfolded on Saturday between Pakistan Tehreek-E-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan and the former party of MNA Kanwal Shauzab following the circulation of a video in which Shauzab seemed to criticize Aleema.
In the video, Shauzab allegedly criticized Aleema for respecting party officials and interim chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and claimed she was working to destroy the party and intended to confront her directly over the question.
During a hearing at Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Rawalpindi, both women exchanged short words. Shauzab approached Aleema and said, “Aleema APA, I want to talk to you.” Aleema replied, “Just let it be, that’s fine. Many people speak against us. We are now used to such accusations.”
Shauzab tried to clarify and said, “A particular part of an old video was selectively edited and used against me,” but Aleema went away and apparently ignored her attempt at reconciliation.
Meanwhile, ATC Aleema rejected Khan’s petition who sought exemption from the court performance and permission to travel abroad for fundraising events.
Aleema’s legal team claimed she had been invited as a main visit to events for Namal University and Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital in the UK, but accusing Zaheer Shah opposing the request and saying she had no active role in the fundraising activities.
Read more: PHC provides protective bail to IMRAN’s sister
The court later sent a written judgment, refused the petition and rejected her plea to travel abroad.
In a speech with the media after the hearing, Aleema expressed frustration at being denied permission to travel. “I’ve been to courts in the last week and sought a travel permit. Why are you afraid of me?” She asked.
She also criticized the comparisons made between her case and high-profile scandals involving figures such as Ayyan Ali and Khawaja Asif, where he said, “Even those involved in larger scandals were awarded bail. The only accusation against me is that I conveyed a message from IMRAN KHAN to party workers and for what I am against lawsuits.”
Aleema, who addresses the question of political dynasties, said, “Yes, we are hereditary and we stand with our brother. No one can stop us.”
She reiterated that the family is united behind Imran Khan and determined to secure his release. “The founder of PTI is not alone – his family is with him. This is our duty and we will fulfill it,” she added. “We stand by him in this match – in this match.”
