Imran Khan’s sister says he believes talks should be held with ‘real power centres’

Peshawar, Jul 3 (PTI) Aleema Khan, sister of Pakistan’s jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, on Thursday said that her brother believes that dialogue should be held with “those who wield real power in the country”.

Speaking to the media outside a local court in Islamabad, Aleema Khan said “they are the same people, with whom US President Donald Trump also engaged”, referring to his meeting last month with Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir at the White House.

Claiming that the current government is gripped by fear and insecurity, she said, “Imran Khan has clearly stated that discussions should be held with the real power centres, not those merely in office.” She further said that Khan has expressed a strong stance on the ongoing political situation, stating, “It would be better to spend my entire life in prison than to surrender to the injustice and oppression taking place in Pakistan today.” She claimed that Khan is being pressured to remain silent and focus solely on his own release.

“They are telling him to apologise and not interfere in the political process only then will he be released,” she said.

Aleema said that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder has called for launching a movement against the prevailing "oppressive system" after the month of Muharram.

“Whenever Khan talks about mobilising the people, the government starts speaking of negotiations,” she added. “But what is there to negotiate, and with whom? As Imran says, real dialogue must happen with those in actual control.” Criticising the judicial process, Aleema alleged that courts are deliberately avoiding hearings in Khan’s cases.

“Every possible tactic is being used to delay justice. The judges know these cases are baseless and absurd. Passing a verdict against him would be a historical mistake,” she claimed.

The 72-year-old cricketer-turned-politician has been behind bars since August 2023 after he was booked in multiple cases. PTI AYZ GSP GSP