ISLAMABAD: A rift appears to be growing within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership over expectations regarding the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
While PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan voiced optimism about Khan’s release ahead of Eidul Azha, his sister Aleema Khan dismissed such hopes, terming them deliberate distractions from launching a nationwide protest movement.
Speaking to media outside Adiala Jail, Aleema Khan said rumours about the imminent release of the incarcerated PTI founder were being circulated to suppress the momentum of public protests.
She claimed her brother had warned party leaders against “playing from both sides” and urged them to prepare for a countrywide movement.
Diverging Views Within PTI
Barrister Gohar maintained a hopeful tone, stating the legal team was actively pursuing the resolution of pending cases and was optimistic about Imran Khan’s release before Eid.
He called on PTI supporters to remain patient and assured them that efforts were underway to secure Khan’s freedom through legal means.
Aleema Khan, however, painted a grimmer picture. She expressed frustration over the lack of basic rights provided to her brother during his incarceration.
According to her, Imran Khan’s children were only allowed a single phone conversation in the past eight months, and even medical and reading needs were being denied.
She reiterated Imran Khan’s stance that he would not compromise under any pressure, regardless of the duration of his imprisonment. She also alleged that claims of meetings with influential individuals or foreign delegates were baseless and aimed at misleading the public.
Legal Proceedings Continue
Inside Adiala Jail, legal proceedings in the Toshakhana Bvlgari jewellery case continued.
The Special Court of the Federal Investigation Agency, led by Judge Shahrukh Arjumand, completed cross-examination of the sixth prosecution witness, NAB Additional Director Qaiser Mahmood.
Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi, co-accused in the case, were presented in court as PTI lawyer Qusain Faisal Mufti conducted the examination. So far, six witnesses have been cross-examined. The court will resume hearings on May 31 to record further witness testimonies.
Aleema Khan also voiced serious concern about the treatment of Bushra Bibi, who is allegedly being kept in solitary confinement. She claimed this was a tactic to exert psychological pressure on Imran Khan.
She also criticized the judiciary for failing to adhere to commitments regarding the timely hearing of appeals and urged party leaders and supporters to prepare for a mass mobilisation campaign.
Imran Khan, according to Aleema, has directed PTI members not to gather in Islamabad due to potential risks, but instead focus on a nationwide movement to uphold the party’s ideological goals.
