Aleema Khan: Imran Khan Wants to Take Human Rights Issues to International Bodies

Aleema Khan: Imran Khan Wants to Take Human Rights Issues to International Bodies

ISLAMABAD: Aleema Khan, the sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, revealed on Friday that her brother has decided to approach global human rights organizations regarding the alleged injustices faced by PTI members.

In a statement to journalists outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi after meeting Imran Khan, Aleema quoted her brother, saying that they were left with no option but to take their human rights grievances to international bodies, to which Pakistan is a signatory.

Imran Khan explained that despite approaching the high court and having their human rights petition heard by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, the cruelty continued, as no court in the country was willing to hear their plea. Aleema highlighted Imran’s concerns about the mistreatment of PTI workers, including Sami Wazir, who allegedly lost his mental balance and ability to walk after being released from military detention, as well as the torture inflicted on Zill-e-Shah.

She emphasized that when the PTI leadership takes action, meetings are arranged at any time, even late at night. Aleema also referenced the government's claim that Imran's tweet had led to an interruption in negotiations, but she clarified that the jail authorities themselves had refused to allow a meeting in the morning.

Addressing the Al-Qadir case, Aleema claimed that if it were to go to the high court, the entire world would realize the absurdity of the situation. She also mentioned that Bushra Bibi had previously expressed her unwillingness to attend further hearings.

Despite the ongoing challenges, Aleema expressed confidence that Imran Khan would eventually be acquitted of all charges, reiterating his stance from the beginning that he would face the cases and be proven innocent.

On the controversy surrounding the appointment of Salman Akram Raja, Aleema made it clear that Imran Khan had appointed him as the party's secretary-general, and he would continue to follow Imran's directives. She also clarified that PTI stood with Imran Khan since February 8, and the party was not under anyone’s control.

Aleema refuted claims made by Prime Minister’s Advisor Rana Sanaullah that she intended to take over the party, explaining that Imran Khan had laughed heartily upon hearing such allegations.

The PTI leader’s sister expressed regret over the denial of family meetings with Imran Khan, as well as the refusal to allow his personal physician to visit. She also shared her concern about the mental toll this situation was having on Imran, especially given that his sons were not allowed to speak with him for months.

Aleema disclosed that they had been warned to soften their brother's message, or face consequences. She added that while her sister was eventually allowed to meet Imran, she had initially been denied, and they had walked inside the jail grounds in protest. Imran Khan had also raised the matter in court.

Meanwhile, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan supported Salman Akram Raja’s appointment as party secretary-general, stating that such decisions were the prerogative of the founder, Imran Khan. He dismissed accusations from senior PTI leader Sher Afzal Marwat regarding party rule violations as an internal matter of the party. Gohar also confirmed that PTI would hold a third meeting with the government committee and present their points in writing.