POLITICS & POLICY MAKING

Aleema Khan, sister of former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan, has publicly called for dialogue with authorities regarding her brother’s prolonged detention, saying it’s time for those in power to come forward and communicate their demands openly.
Speaking to the media outside the Islamabad High Court on Tuesday, Aleema criticized the delay in court proceedings and alleged political victimization. “The Chief Justice has acknowledged that the case was not listed due to a staff error,” she said. “He has promised to fix it. But how long will we keep waiting for justice?”
Aleema emphasized the need for transparency and conversation. “Come and talk to us. If you have demands, tell us what the founder of PTI must do to be released. We’ve been in the dark for two years,” she said. “We are women, we are ready to sit down and talk — but talk to us face-to-face, not from behind the scenes.”
She also highlighted the growing pressure and threats allegedly being made against parliamentarians and PTI supporters. “We are being threatened — told our cars will crash, our lives are at risk. You can’t threaten MNAs and expect silence. We’re not afraid of you, and you shouldn’t be afraid to talk to us.”
Without naming specific individuals or institutions, Aleema Khan insisted that the matter must be addressed through mutual understanding rather than coercion. “If it’s about give and take, tell us what you want. What should Imran Khan give up? What’s the deal?” she questioned.
Reiterating her brother’s stance, Aleema said: “Imran Khan has said he can remain in jail for life but will not compromise on his principles. So tell us clearly — what exactly has he done that justifies this treatment?”
Her remarks come amid persistent legal and political challenges faced by Imran Khan, who remains imprisoned while the PTI continues to claim political victimization and denial of justice.
The PTI founder's supporters have frequently accused authorities of using the legal system to suppress opposition, while the state maintains it is acting within the rule of law.
Aleema’s statement marks a significant public outreach for negotiation and potentially signals a new phase in the PTI's political strategy — a call for dialogue in a deeply polarised environment.