LAHORE:
Aleema Khan, sister of Imran Khan, on Friday called for “resistance” and increased public pressure to secure the release of the jailed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder, urging party workers and supporters to mobilize.
Speaking to the media outside an anti-terror court after attending proceedings related to the May 9 unrest, she questioned why trials were convened despite the judge being on leave, criticizing what she described as unnecessary inconvenience to citizens “in the name of saving gas.”
She also took aim at rising fuel prices, arguing that the increases in Pakistan were disproportionate to global trends and asserted that external factors were being used as justification while the public continued to bear the burden.
Aleema Khan emphasized that silence in the face of injustice would only worsen the situation.
“We fulfill our responsibility to our brother and do everything for his release,” she said, adding that they were prepared to face “any consequences”, including imprisonment.
Referring to international developments, she noted that displays of “bravery” abroad highlighted the need for stronger domestic resolve and warned that those responsible for current conditions would eventually be held accountable.
Alleging a plan to keep Imran Khan in jail for a longer period, she said “resistance” was now the only viable way forward.
She urged PTI officials to mobilize, claiming the party had between 50,000 and 60,000 notified officials, including a significant number from the Rawalpindi division.
She called on at least 10,000 officials from nearby districts to gather outside Adiala jail, saying sustained pressure was essential.
“Without pressure, the founder will not be released,” she argued, adding that those unwilling to endure hardships should step aside for others to lead.
Highlighting health concerns, Aleema Khan claimed that Imran Khan required urgent medical attention, claiming that one of his eyes had been affected, and warned of further risks if treatment was delayed.
Separately, an anti-terrorism court extended the interim bail of Aleema Khan, Uzma Khan and other accused in several cases related to the May 9 riots till May 7.
The court ordered the prosecution to present the record of the case at the next hearing and obtained arguments from the lawyer.
The hearing was conducted by an official judge after the transfer of the ordinary presiding judge.
Several accused, including Asad Umar and Azam Swati, were granted one-day exemption from personal appearance.
The cases registered at Sarwar Road, Gulberg and Naseerabad police stations include allegations of arson, vandalism and attacks on public and private property, including an office of the Pakistan Muslim League-N and the residence known as Jinnah House.
