PTI founder's sister alleges 'unprecedented restrictions' in jail

Says family has no access to Imran Khan amid ongoing political tensions

LAHORE:

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan's sister, Aleema Khan, has expressed serious concern over his prison conditions, saying there are fears that he may have been poisoned.

Speaking to the media outside the Anti-Terrorism Court in Lahore, Aleema Khan said Imran Khan was being kept in strict isolation under conditions she described as "unprecedented for a political leader."

She further said that neither the family nor PTI leadership had been allowed any meaningful meetings regarding ongoing political developments involving the party founder.

Aleema Khan maintained that if raising concerns for her brother was being interpreted as interference in party matters, the family would continue to speak out regardless.

Criticising segments of the PTI leadership, she said several individuals had gained electoral support in Imran Khan's name but had failed to deliver any tangible benefit to the party or its agenda.

Referring to recent political engagements, she expressed cautious optimism that the situation could improve, while questioning the effectiveness of talks with leadership that, according to her, "has to seek permission before giving an answer."

She also mentioned PTI leader Sohail Afridi, stating that he had warned of a protest sit-in outside Parliament if a joint parliamentary session was convened.

Aleema Khan added that Afridi was not facing difficulties and expressed confidence that if "250 million Pakistanis stood up for their rights, the country's problems could be resolved."

Earlier, the Anti-Terrorism Court extended the interim bail of Aleema Khan, Uzma Khan, Asad Umar, Fawad Chaudhry, Azam Swati and other PTI leaders until July 9 in multiple cases linked to the May 9 incidents.

The court directed both prosecution and defence to present arguments at the next hearing.

The cases relate to allegations of arson, vandalism and attacks on public and private property, including the burning of the PML-N office, violence near Jinnah House, and other incidents registered at Shadman Police Station and elsewhere.