Unable to meet Imran Khan, Aleema denies blocking PTI leaders' access to him

ISLAMABAD/LAHORE: Aleema Khan, sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, on Tuesday dismissed media reports suggesting she has been preventing party leaders from meeting her imprisoned brother, stating that she herself has been unable to secure a meeting with him.

Speaking to journalists outside Adiala jail, Aleema Khan questioned how she could possibly block anyone's access to Imran Khan when she has not been granted permission to meet him either.

"People across Pakistan are demanding the release of Imran Khan. The whole world is raising the same demand. Just wait and see — people will come out of their homes and secure his release. Moreover, as the global situation changes, I am hopeful he will be released," she said.

Concerns over health and medical treatment

Aleema Khan expressed serious concerns about the PTI founder's health, alleging that authorities are deliberately restricting access to conceal his condition. She said they were waiting outside the jail to find out whether they would be allowed to meet Imran Khan but anticipated being denied permission.

"I believe we will not be granted permission, as they want to hide his health condition and what has been done to him. We had requested the chief justice to allow his medical treatment at Shifa International Hospital. We do not insist on meetings if he is allowed proper medical treatment," she added.

According to Aleema Khan, the Chief Justice had forwarded the request for medical treatment of the incarcerated PTI founder.

Aleema rejects allegations of interference

The rebuttal from Aleema Khan came amid reports circulating in the media that she has been acting as a gatekeeper to Imran Khan, allegedly obstructing PTI leaders from holding meetings with the party's founder at Adiala jail. By categorically denying these claims, she sought to clarify that neither she nor anyone from the family has had the ability to influence who gets access to the jailed former prime minister, given that they themselves have been struggling to obtain meeting permissions.

Aleema Khan's remarks outside Adiala jail also reflected her optimism about Imran Khan's eventual release, linking it to both domestic public sentiment and shifting international dynamics. She maintained that the Pakistani public's demand for his freedom, coupled with global pressure, would ultimately lead to his release from prison.

The PTI founder has been incarcerated at Adiala jail, and his family and party have repeatedly raised concerns about his health and the conditions of his detention. The family's demand for treatment at Shifa International Hospital underscores their dissatisfaction with the medical care being provided to him in prison.