Aleema slams Imran's 'controlled' meetings

PTI founder's sisters denied access, lawyers restricted


Our Correspondent March 26, 2025

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RAWALPINDI:

Aleema Khan, the sister of PTI founder Imran Khan, has accused authorities of selectively allowing meetings with the PTI founder, barring those who genuinely wish to see him.

Speaking outside Adiala Jail on Tuesday, she revealed that she and her sisters were made to wait for two and a half hours but were ultimately denied a meeting.

She condemned the judiciary, calling the legal system "decayed" and accusing it of dragging out politically motivated cases. She lamented that while Bushra Bibi's family was allowed a meeting, the three sisters were not granted the same access.

According to Aleema, the incarcerated party supremo told his lawyers that jail authorities had informed him there would be no meetings during Eid holidays.

Moreover, senior lawyers Hamid Khan and Uzair Bhandari were also denied access. She questioned why courts, which can impose restrictions on lawyers speaking to the media, cannot ensure that meetings occur as per an approved list.

Aleema further claimed that Imran was being kept in solitary confinement and demanded transparency regarding the state's intentions toward him.

However, despite all hardships, Imran's sister asserted he remained strong.

Expressing deep concern over the situation in Balochistan, the PTI founder reportedly told his lawyers that his government had previously resolved issues in the province through dialogue.

Aleema also disclosed that during a joint investigation team (JIT) inquiry, she was accused of being responsible for social media activity regarding PTI.

"We believe what our lawyers tell us, but ultimately, it is the courts and judges who must ensure justice," she said, adding that judicial credibility was at stake.

She also lamented that nearly a thousand PTI workers had been imprisoned since November 26, lamenting that these individuals were jailed not for personal reasons but for Pakistan's cause.

"One court grants bail, while another summons them in a different case. We will do whatever we can for our detainees," she vowed.

Meanwhile, a dispute arose at Adiala Jail's Gate 5 after Babar Awan was granted permission to meet the PTI founder, despite objections from PTI's legal coordinator, Salman Akram Raja.

It was the first scheduled meeting day following an Islamabad High Court (IHC) directive.

Tensions flared when Babar Awan submitted his name for approval ahead of Salman Akram Raja. Raja later objected, arguing that only lawyers he approved should be allowed access.

He provided a list including himself, Niazullah Niazi, Naeem Panjutha, Zaheer Chaudhry, Hamid Khan and Azam Swati. However, jail authorities removed Swati from the list and instead permitted Awan to proceed.

The change in the list led to a confrontation, with Raja demanding that Awan be barred. "If he is allowed inside, we will protest," he warned.

Jail officials initially assured him that Awan would not be permitted entry, urging Raja and other leaders to proceed with their meeting.

However, jail authorities later allowed Awan inside, breaking their earlier assurance. Eventually, six PTI lawyers, including Awan, met with the PTI founder.

Speaking informally with journalists afterward, Awan confirmed the meeting and said that Raja was also present.

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