Aleema Khan, sister of PTI’s founding chairman Imran Khan. Photo: Express/ File
RAWALPINDI:
Aleema Khan, sister of jailed PTI founder Imran Khan, on Tuesday dismissed any notion of ongoing backchannel talks, saying no talks were taking place and challenging anyone claiming otherwise to engage directly with her brother.
The statement came as sisters of the jailed leader were again denied access to meet him in Rawalpindi’s Adiala prison, prompting the party to denounce the continued restrictions as a “blatant violation of fundamental human and constitutional rights”.
Addressing the media at Gorakhpur checkpoint near Adiala jail, Aleema said the former prime minister remained defiant despite prolonged imprisonment.
“No negotiations and no negotiations are taking place. If anyone has the guts, they should go and talk to the PTI founder directly and hold negotiations,” she said.
Aleema claimed Imran was “extremely angry” and had been held in solitary confinement for nearly three years.
She questioned the logic of detaining him for so long and then proposing a deal. She further claimed that there were deliberate attempts to damage his eyesight to pressure him into seeking a deal.
“Eid has passed but we were not allowed to meet him. Today is the first Tuesday after Eid, so we should be allowed a meeting. We have come for a meeting and will sit here until we are allowed. It is our constitutional and legal right and to deny it is a violation of human rights,” she said.
She also raised concerns about the lack of transparency regarding Imran’s medical treatment, saying that even the family had not been informed about his latest procedure.
Responding to a question about his transfer between prison and hospital, she said: “We don’t know anything; even the family was not informed. We found out through social media, newspapers and television. We have no idea what treatment is being given.”
Aleema added that the two doctors suggested by the family had not been given proper access or information.
Meanwhile, her sister Noreen Niazi strongly criticized the situation, saying, “There is no law in the land”.
She rejected any suggestion of a deal, adding: “Those who had assets abroad and committed theft made deals. The PTI founder has committed no crime and is imprisoned unjustly. We will not let this go. From prison authorities to government members involved, everyone will be held accountable.”
Meanwhile, the party’s Islamabad chapter proposed a structured roadmap to secure Imran’s release, arguing that a comprehensive and coordinated strategy was essential.
