Independent judiciary and free elections only acceptable deal: Aleema Khan

ISLAMABAD: Aleema Khan, sister of incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan, on Tuesday asserted that the only acceptable political “deal” for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder would be the restoration of an independent judiciary and the conduct of free, fair and transparent elections in the country.

Speaking to journalists outside Adiala Jail after being denied a meeting with her brother once again, Aleema said it was the constitutional and legal right of family members to meet Imran Khan. She vowed to continue visiting the prison, saying sustained public pressure was necessary to ensure that his rights were upheld.

“The family of Imran Khan and PTI leadership will continue their struggle for an independent judiciary and a free media,” she said.

Addressing reports circulating on social media regarding an alleged meeting between the PTI founder and a former military chief, Aleema categorically rejected the claims, describing them as politically motivated rumours.

“No such meeting has taken place. These stories surface whenever the political temperature rises in the country,” she said.

Aleema revealed that she had previously sought clarification from PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan regarding reports of his meeting with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. According to her, Barrister Gohar confirmed the interaction and conveyed assurances regarding access to the PTI founder. However, she said those assurances had not translated into any practical relief.

She stressed that the immediate priority should be ensuring proper medical treatment and healthcare facilities for Imran Khan.

The PTI leader’s sister also called for transparency in any political consultations or negotiations being conducted on behalf of the party leadership, saying such engagements should be openly communicated to party workers and supporters.

Commenting on the heavy security arrangements and road closures around Adiala Jail, Aleema alleged that the restrictions reflected the government’s concern over public support for Imran Khan. She further claimed that authorities were attempting to prevent public discussion about his health condition.

According to Aleema, the central objective of all ongoing political efforts was to secure the release of the former premier. She added that any elected representative who genuinely worked toward that goal would be remembered positively by the people.

Referring to the political situation in Gilgit-Baltistan, she criticised what she described as electoral irregularities, political victimisation, arrests, travel restrictions and the use of force against political activists and candidates.

“Governments resort to oppression when they lose public support, while popular movements derive strength from the people,” she said, adding that attempts to silence Imran Khan would not succeed because he remained committed to his principles and prepared to make personal sacrifices for them.

Rejecting speculation that political negotiations were aimed at securing personal concessions, Aleema reiterated that the only acceptable outcome would be the restoration of judicial independence and the holding of free and fair elections. She argued that an independent judiciary was essential for ensuring democratic transparency and public confidence in the electoral process.

She also said senior political figures such as Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas had been entrusted with responsibilities by the PTI founder due to their political experience and maturity.

Aleema maintained that Imran Khan should be granted all rights guaranteed under the law and expressed confidence that continued pressure would eventually pave the way for dialogue and political engagement among stakeholders.

Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said the party’s immediate demand was for Imran Khan to be shifted to Shifa International Hospital for medical treatment.

Responding to a question regarding reports of a forward bloc within the party, Afridi dismissed the speculation, stating that no one except Imran Khan had the authority to remove him from the chief minister’s office.

“They want to do something with Imran Khan, which is why they are not allowing meetings with him,” he alleged.

Afridi further claimed that discussions surrounding a forward bloc were being used to divert attention from the upcoming federal budget, which he said would place additional burdens on ordinary citizens.

“I request everyone to keep their focus on the budget and Imran Khan’s health. The government has no foreign policy vision and no agenda for the welfare of the people,” he said.

He added that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government had prepared what he described as a people-friendly budget but warned that the federal budget would have adverse consequences for citizens across the country.