Aleema Khan says Imran Khan was allowed only 15 minutes to meet with his sisters while lawyer Zaheer Abbas was granted just one and a half minutes
RAWALPINDI: (UrduPoint/Pakistan Point News-July 1st, 2025) Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan directed his party leadership to launch a movement against the government after 10th Muharram, according to statements made near Adiala Jail by his sisters during a media interaction on Tuesday.
Speaking alongside her siblings, Aleema Khan said that Imran Khan was allowed only 15 minutes to meet with his sisters, while lawyer Zaheer Abbas was granted just one and a half minutes. Other lawyers, including Salman Safdar, Salman Akram Raja, and Niazullah Niazi, were not permitted to meet him at all.
Aleema quoted Imran Khan as saying that all these tactics were part of an effort to "minus the founder" from politics. He had referred to the 26th Amendment, warning that its effects were becoming evident. According to him, “If you steal the people's vote and then say it has no value, it is equivalent to imposing martial law. If the judiciary is treated like a government department and judges are mistreated, then the rule of law no longer exists. And when the rule of law is gone, morality collapses too.”
She further added that Imran Khan claimed the current members of assemblies did not come through votes, and that media voices had been silenced. He allegedly criticized the upcoming 27th Amendment, suggesting that if such authoritarian changes were to be made, then the government might as well formally declare a monarchy. “After gaining independence from India, Pakistan was created in the name of ‘Kalma’ (Islamic declaration of faith), and it’s that belief which still sustains this country. The nation is being turned into complete slaves—I'd rather spend my life in jail than accept this slavery,” Imran Khan reportedly said.
Aleema said that Imran Khan has instructed his party to prepare for a movement against this “enslavement system” after the 10th of Muharram.
He praised the resistance shown in the Punjab Assembly, as well as the efforts of the Opposition Leader, noting that 26 PTI members are currently facing restrictions. He reportedly suggested that if such suppression continues, PTI lawmakers should establish a parallel assembly outside the official legislature.
Imran Khan has issued formal instructions to the party, which, according to Aleema, have been communicated to lawyer Salman Akram Raja.
She also expressed concern over Khan’s prison conditions, stating that he is being kept in solitary confinement and denied his basic rights, including access to books.
She quoted Khan as saying he is locked up for 22 hours a day and only allowed out for 2 hours.
Aleema concluded by saying that after 10th Muharram, the party would announce its protest strategy.
