RAWALPINDI: Aleema Khan, the sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, has called for sustained peaceful protests to secure his release from prison. Speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail on Monday, she warned that without continued demonstrations, authorities may even transfer him to a military prison.
Aleema criticised Judge Shahrukh Arjumand for rejecting the bail pleas of both Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, stating that he is deliberately delaying the case. "This is the same judge who dragged out the Iddat case for three months, and now he's doing the same with this case. We will now approach the High Court," she said.
She emphasised the importance of peaceful protests in the struggle for her brother’s release. "If we stop protesting, they will not let him out. Tomorrow, they could even send him to a military prison," Aleema warned. She acknowledged the sacrifices made by Rawalpindi residents, who took to the streets in support of freedom and judicial independence, and said she had witnessed a special unit firing rubber bullets at protesters.
Aleema Khan urged PTI supporters to continue their efforts, noting that protests were being organised across the country. Demonstrations are planned in Bahawalpur, Mianwali, and Faisalabad on Wednesday, and a large protest is set for October 5, on Imran Khan’s birthday, at Minar-e-Pakistan in Lahore. She also hinted at a major protest in Islamabad, with the date to be announced soon.
"The government is afraid because people are demanding their right to vote. The protests will not stop until Imran Khan and other political prisoners are released," she said. Despite facing tear gas and rubber bullets, Aleema vowed to continue the fight, calling peaceful protest a constitutional right that cannot be taken away. Aleema Khan concluded with a resolute message to supporters: "No matter the repression, we will come out to exercise our rights."