Aleema decries Bushra allowed but sisters denied meeting with Imran

ISLAMABAD: Aleema Khan, sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding chairman Imran Khan, on Tuesday accused jail authorities of preventing her and her sisters from meeting their brother, while allowing his spouse Bushra Bibi’s family access.

Speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, Aleema said that despite it being a designated family visitation day, she and her two sisters were barred from meeting Imran Khan and made to wait inside the jail for two and a half hours.

She expressed dismay over being informed by jail administration that they would not be permitted to meet him even on Eid. “Meetings are being arranged only for people of their choice, while those who genuinely wish to see him are being denied,” she alleged.

Aleema further claimed that the PTI founder is being held in solitary confinement and that “fake cases” against him are being deliberately prolonged. “Someone should tell us what they actually want from him. We know he remains resilient,” she asserted.

During a recent meeting with lawyers, she said, Imran Khan expressed deep concern over the situation in Balochistan and reiterated that his government had resolved such issues through dialogue. Aleema echoed her brother’s stance, emphasising that “negotiations are the only solution to terrorism.”

She also called upon the judiciary to uphold justice, warning that delays and inconsistencies in court rulings could damage its reputation. “One court grants bail, while another summons workers in a different case,” she said, referring to over 1,000 PTI workers who have been detained since November 26.

Aleema vowed that the party would continue its efforts to secure the release of its incarcerated members, stating, “They are in jail not for themselves, but for Pakistan.”

Meanwhile, talking to journalists outside Adiala Jail. PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja stated that he would file a contempt of court petition for not allowing Imran Khan’s sisters to meet him.

“We have met the founder, but his sisters were not granted permission to meet him.”

He further stated that Imran was informed about the legal proceedings regarding visitations and was told that meeting him was essential for them. He emphasised that media conversations could take place anywhere.

Barrister Raja also mentioned that the PTI founder endorsed his stance and was informed that some meetings inside the jail were being arranged from above, which was disrupting party discipline.

Raja objected to the inclusion of Babar Awan’s name in the list of individuals allowed to meet the PTI founder.

On Tuesday, the PTI secretary general submitted the names of six leaders permitted to meet Imran Khan at Adiala Jail, which included Hamid Khan, Chaudhry Zaheer Abbas, Uzir Bhandari, Niazullah Niazi, Azam Swati, and himself.

Earlier, senior lawyer Babar Awan also arrived at Adiala Jail to meet the PTI founder. A situation arose at Gate No 5 of Adiala Jail when the jail staff allowed Babar Awan to enter along with the approved list of names. Salman Akram Raja objected, stating that only those individuals whose names he had submitted should be allowed entry, as per the court’s order. He insisted that no one else could add names to the list.

Raja confronted the jail staff, questioning why Babar Awan was allowed inside and why his vehicle was brought into the jail premises. He demanded Awan’s name be removed from the list and threatened to protest if he was permitted to meet Imran Khan.

The jail authorities responded by stating that they had forwarded all names and informed PTI leaders of those who were granted permission. Salman Akram Raja insisted that only the listed individuals should meet Imran Khan. The jail staff then agreed to stop Babar Awan, allowing Raja, Naeem Haider Panjutha, Chaudhry Zaheer Abbas, and Niazullah Niazi to proceed with their meeting. However, despite this, Babar Awan also managed to enter Adiala Jail, whereas Azam Swati was denied permission.

After meeting Imran, when a journalist asked Raja how Babar Awan gained access despite not being on the list, Raja reaffirmed that they had not submitted Awan’s name and would protest the breach of discipline. In response, Babar Awan confirmed that the meeting with PTI founder had taken place and so had Raja’s.

Meanwhile, PTI leader Azam Swati stated that those who Imran wants to meet were not being allowed, while meetings were being arranged with people he did not wish to see.

“I am being very cautious. My concern is how to get the founder out of jail. I do not understand the apprehension in arranging my meeting with the founder.”

Swati further asserted, “The only leader is Imran Khan; the workers despise the current leadership.”

He added that the PTI founder has always advocated for the rule of law and that the PTI leadership must formulate a strategy to bring him out.

Azam Swati also expressed his condolences on the passing of the Army Chief’s mother, stating, “Mothers are dear to all.”