Aleema Khan Calls for Independent Judiciary and Free Elections as Prerequisite for Any Deal

ISLAMABAD: Aleema Khan, sister of former prime minister Imran Khan, said on Tuesday that any acceptable agreement must include the restoration of an independent judiciary and the conduct of free, fair elections. She made the remarks outside Adiala Jail after authorities again denied her a meeting with her brother.

Addressing journalists, Aleema asserted that the family has a constitutional right to see Imran and pledged to continue visiting the prison to pressure “the powers that be.”

“The Khan family and PTI leaders will persist in demanding an independent judiciary and a free media,” she said.

When asked about rumors of a meeting between Imran and a former military chief, she dismissed the claims as politically motivated.

“No such meeting has taken place; these rumors surface whenever political tensions rise,” Aleema explained.

Aleema added that she had previously asked PTI chairman Gohar Khan about reports of a meeting with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. Gohar confirmed the meeting and assured her of access to Imran, but those assurances have not materialised. She said priority should be given to proper medical treatment for the former prime minister.

She also urged that any political consultations on behalf of the party be conducted transparently and communicated openly to members.

Commenting on security measures around Adiala jail, Aleema claimed that road closures and restrictions reflect the government’s fear of public support for Imran Khan and an attempt to suppress discussion of his health.

“The current political effort’s objective is the release of Imran Khan,” she said, adding that any elected official who genuinely works for his release would be hailed as a hero by the people.

Turning to developments in Gilgit‑Baltistan, Aleema criticised alleged electoral irregularities, repression, arrests, travel bans and the use of force against political workers and candidates.

“Governments resort to oppression when they lack popular support, while popular movements draw strength from the people. Attempts are being made to silence the PTI founder, but he remains committed to his principles and is prepared to make personal sacrifices,” she claimed.

Rejecting speculation about political negotiations for personal gain, Aleema reiterated that the only acceptable “deal” is the restoration of an independent judiciary and the holding of free, fair elections, emphasizing that judicial independence is essential for transparent democratic processes.

She noted that veteran politicians such as Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas were chosen by Imran for their political maturity, and urged authorities to grant him the rights guaranteed by law. She added that pressure tactics will eventually force stakeholders into dialogue.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said his sole demand is that Imran be transferred to Shifa International Hospital for treatment.

When questioned about the forward bloc against Imran, Afridi replied that only Imran can remove the chief minister in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

“They want to act against Imran Khan, which is why they are not allowing a meeting with him,” he said.

He warned that the propaganda around the forward bloc is designed to divert attention from the upcoming budget, which he claims will burden the masses.

“I urge everyone to focus on the budget and Imran Khan’s health. There is no foreign policy or agenda for the masses. We have prepared the best KP budget, but the federal budget will affect the entire country,” Afridi concluded.

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