Imran Khan
Imran Khan, the incarcerated founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has expressed his unwavering resolve to remain in prison for life if necessary, rather than surrendering to pressure, according to a statement by his sister Aleema Khan.
Speaking to media outside Adiala Jail after meeting the former Prime Minister alongside her two sisters, Aleema relayed a message from Khan, asserting that he is steadfast in his principles and ready to endure continued imprisonment for the sake of his ideology and the nation.
Aleema said that Imran Khan shared three key concerns during the meeting. Firstly, he reportedly complained about being denied basic prisoner rights. Despite being a former head of government, he claimed to have been allowed to speak to his children only once over the past eight months. Furthermore, the prison administration had allegedly restricted family visits, denying access even to his sisters.
Secondly, she revealed that Khan was being deprived of reading material and books, and that his requests for medical check-ups by his personal doctors were consistently denied.
He also expressed frustration over the lack of implementation of court orders regarding contempt petitions, describing these actions as part of an oppressive system that seeks to break his resolve. Nonetheless, he reiterated that he would never accept subjugation or give in under duress.
Khan also conveyed that his wife, Bushra Bibi, was being kept in custody solely as a means to exert pressure on him. He maintained that no matter the duration of his imprisonment—even if it lasted a lifetime—he would never capitulate.
Addressing rumors circulating on social media about his possible release and speculated deals, Aleema stated that such narratives were being purposefully spread to dampen public enthusiasm and mislead PTI supporters. Imran Khan, she said, had instructed the party to dismiss these claims and instead focus on preparing for a countrywide political movement.
According to Khan, the PTI is not a party built on electables but on ideology. He emphasized that many young members were enduring harsh conditions in jail for the party’s cause, and warned against giving space to those who waver in their commitment or try to play both sides.
He also voiced frustration over judicial delays, particularly in the Al-Qadir Trust case, which had not seen a hearing scheduled in three months. Several of his bail pleas, including those related to the May 9 incidents, remain unheard despite verbal assurances by judges, Aleema noted.
She said that Imran Khan had urged the PTI leadership and supporters to mobilize for a mass movement across the country. Additionally, their family plans to approach the High Court to raise concerns about Khan’s prison conditions and legal delays.
All elected representatives from Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are expected to converge at the Islamabad High Court in a show of solidarity with the judiciary.
Meanwhile, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan expressed optimism that Imran Khan may be released before Eid ul Azha. He stated that the party anticipates court proceedings on pending cases to resume soon, potentially leading to Khan’s release from Adiala Jail.
