Aleema Khan, sister of jailed PTI founder Imran Khan, revealed on Friday that the PTI movement against the ruling government will begin after the 10th of Muharram. She was speaking to the media outside the anti-terrorism court in Rawalpindi.
She conveyed Imran Khan’s message, saying he had clearly directed the party leadership to begin public mobilisation after Ashura. He also criticised the 27th Amendment and remarked that forming a monarchy would be better than implementing it.
Her announcement came shortly after the Supreme Court rejected the party’s plea for reserved seats. On June 27, the top court ruled that PTI would not be entitled to minority or women’s seats in the national or provincial assemblies.
Aleema Khan confirmed that the plan for the PTI protest had already been prepared. She said Imran Khan has urged the nation to stand up for freedom. “He believes that imprisonment is better than slavery,” she told reporters.
She strongly condemned the conditions her brother is facing in prison. According to her, Imran is locked inside a cell for 22 hours every day. He gets only two hours outside. She said that all prison facilities given to him had been withdrawn.
“He’s not even allowed to speak to his sons,” Aleema added. She claimed that Imran Khan hasn’t had contact with his children in over six months. “This kind of denial is not only cruel but also illegal,” she posted on social media.
She compared Imran’s treatment to that of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif. According to her, Nawaz received home-cooked meals and saw hundreds of visitors. She added that Nawaz and his daughter were kept in a guest house with all amenities.
On the other hand, she said, Imran Khan has been denied even basic human contact. He has not been allowed to meet any of his party leaders in the last eight months. Aleema said this is a violation of his constitutional rights as head of the largest political party.
Meanwhile, PTI spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram shared updates on the PTI movement preparations. He explained that the campaign was delayed first due to the Iran-Israel conflict and later out of respect for Muharram.
“All provincial party heads are fully prepared now,” Akram told journalists. He said that in the first phase, PTI demonstrations would be held at both the provincial and district levels.
When asked about the risk of violence, Akram said party workers should not be exposed to gunfire. “When the first bullet was fired, Imran Khan won the battle morally,” he said.
He also addressed a statement by KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, who said he would carry arms during the protest. Akram clarified that Gandapur was only talking about self-defence. “Everyone has the right to protect themselves,” he said.
Akram also revealed that Imran Khan has directed Gandapur to lead the PTI’s nationwide campaign. The party aims to launch a powerful political agitation following Muharram.