Sisters Deliver Strong Message Outside Adiala Jail
Imran Khan’s sisters addressed a rare and forceful press conference outside Adiala Jail in Islamabad, warning that Pakistan had entered a decisive moment. Aleema Khan, Uzma Khan, and Noreen Khan said their brother had sent a message urging the nation to prepare itself because the time for freedom or death has arrived.
They stressed that they usually avoid public statements. However, rising concerns about Imran Khan’s treatment pushed them to step forward. In their view, the authorities have placed him in solitary confinement and repeatedly blocked family access despite court orders permitting visits.
The press conference took place against the backdrop of Pakistan’s polarized political environment. Khan has remained in custody since 2023 while facing multiple cases. PTI continues to claim political motivation behind these charges, while the government maintains that the courts operate independently.
Family Says Communication Has Been Severed
Aleema Khan explained that the family had been unable to meet Imran Khan for several weeks. She said that each attempt to secure a meeting ended in refusal or delay. These restrictions, she argued, created serious concern about his health.
Her sister Uzma supported that account and added new details. She said that prison officials had confined Khan to an isolated cell for more than two weeks. The family, unable to speak to him, has no updated information about his physical condition. Lawyers have also struggled with new administrative hurdles when requesting access.
These concerns echo calls from rights groups urging Pakistani authorities to make high-profile detentions more transparent. Officials insist that procedures remain lawful, but the sisters argue that what they see outside the jail tells a different story.
Allegations of Intimidation and Excessive Force
During the press briefing, Aleema Khan described several incidents that, she claimed, demonstrated a pattern of intimidation. She recounted that one of her sisters, a doctor, spent hours in detention last week. The family had gathered to protest peacefully, yet the situation escalated quickly.
Lights were cut off during the protest, she said, and water flooded the surrounding area. A 12-year-old boy who had warned the family of incoming police action was taken into custody as well. According to Aleema, women faced manhandling, and police pulled their shawls while forcing them back. She added that elected representatives were also pushed and shoved.
These allegations fit a broader narrative presented by PTI since 2023. Party leaders argue that the state uses policing tactics to silence dissent. Government officials, however, defend the actions of security personnel, saying they respond only to unlawful gatherings and threats to public order.
Khan Allegedly Told to Leave Pakistan
Another claim shared by the sisters added greater tension to the discussion. Aleema Khan said that officials urged Imran Khan on 4 August to leave Pakistan. She said he dismissed the suggestion and chose to stay. According to her, he insisted that he would not abandon his supporters or his political cause.
She noted that his cases have stretched across more than 500 days. Throughout this period, she said, he did not make personal demands. For her, this demonstrated sacrifice, not politics.
Claims of a Broader System of Oppression
Noreen Niazi, who spoke last, described her confrontation with police. She said an officer grabbed her by the hair and threw her to the ground. She described the overall environment as one shaped by a system of oppression. In her view, the government wants to force Imran Khan into apologizing.
She also alleged that the events of 9 May 2023 and 26 November 2023 were planted to justify a nationwide crackdown on PTI. The government rejects these claims and says the violence came from PTI activists.
PTI Family Vows to Continue Their Support
The sisters concluded the press conference by renewing their pledge to remain by Imran Khan’s side. They said no amount of pressure, threats, or intimidation would force them to step back. Their remarks also included appreciation for social media activists, whom they credited with bringing what they describe as the real facts to the public.
They noted that Imran Khan remains committed to his political struggle and intends to push forward until Pakistan replaces what he considers an unjust system. His recent message urging supporters to prepare for a nationwide movement after Muharram 10 further reflects this resolve, as highlighted here: Imran Khan Calls for Nationwide Movement After Muharram 10. With another uncertain phase emerging in national politics, the gap between PTI and the government appears to be widening rather than easing.
