Aleema Khan reveals Imran Khan’s protest plan after Ashura

RAWALPINDI:

Aleema Khan, sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, has announced that her brother has given the party a detailed plan for a nationwide protest movement, set to be launched after Muharram 10.

Speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail on Tuesday, she said that lawyer Salman Akram Raja has been entrusted with conveying the protest strategy to the party leadership. She added that Imran is being deliberately isolated in an attempt to “minus” him from the political equation.

“My two sisters were allowed a 15-minute meeting, while lawyer Zaheer Abbas was granted just 90 seconds today. Others like Salman Safdar, Salman Akram Raja, and Niazullah Niazi have been denied any access,” she added.

She said Imran has warned of growing authoritarianism, suggesting that the state is drifting toward martial law. “If votes are stolen and their value is denied, if the judiciary is turned into a government department and judges are humiliated, then the rule of law no longer exists,” she quoted Imran as saying.

The PTI founder has reportedly expressed that introducing the 27th Constitutional Amendment would only formalise a monarchy. “It would be better to officially declare kingship,” Aleema quoted him, adding that Imran believes the nation is being enslaved, and that lifelong imprisonment is preferable to this “slavery.”

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She further said that Imran praised the resistance shown in the Punjab Assembly, particularly the role of the opposition leader. “Currently, 26 PTI lawmakers are under restrictions. It would be better if they set up a parallel assembly outside Parliament,” she added while quoting her brother.

Aleema also alleged that Imran is being held in solitary confinement and is not being given his legal or constitutional rights in prison. She concluded by urging the nation to rise against what she termed an unjust system after Ashura.

‘Legal avenues still exist’: Faisal Chaudhry

Meanwhile, lawyer Faisal Chaudhry has expressed optimism about the potential release of the PTI founder, stating that “many legal pathways still exist” and that “his release is now within sight.”

Speaking to the media at the Dahgal checkpoint—where he was denied access to meet Imran in Adiala Jail—Chaudhry urged the nation not to lose hope despite the prevailing atmosphere of despair.

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He emphasised the need for a well-defined strategy to secure the PTI leader’s release, adding, “We should not panic. Solid legal steps and a coordinated action plan are necessary at this point.”

He noted that the list of people allowed to meet Imran remains static, and more individuals should be given the opportunity.

Highlighting his political stance, Chaudhry stated, “I believe resistance and reconciliation should go hand in hand. One should never abandon the path of dialogue, nor should the option of resistance be discarded.” He said his decisions are based on timing and conditions, adding, “The man who truly cares for the public is behind bars.”