PTI founder’s sister calls for his immediate release, says country’s political, economic situation is worsening
Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi. Photo: File
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi met in Adiala jail on Tuesday in a 45-minute meeting held in the conference room, jail sources said. Both questioned each other’s well-being during the meeting, which ended after time expired, they added.
Separately, the PTI founder’s sister Aleema Khan alleged that authorities were illegally keeping the former prime minister in solitary confinement and restricting his access, demanding his immediate release.
Speaking to the media at the Adiala Road factory checkpoint in Rawalpindi, she claimed that only five meetings had been allowed in the last five months, adding that public anger was growing due to what she described as mistreatment and injustice.
Aleema said Imran remained the leader of Pakistan’s largest political party and argued that the country needed his leadership amid growing political, economic and security challenges.
“He is the only leader who can unite people,” she said, adding that conditions in Pakistan had deteriorated compared to three years ago. She highlighted the situation in Gilgit-Baltistan, Balochistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir as evidence of deteriorating stability.
Calling for Imran’s release, she said he could help foster national unity and address the country’s challenges.
Read also: Aleema Khan denies reports that former army chief met Imran Khan in Adiala jail
Aleema also condemned the use of force against protesters, saying authorities should not open fire on their own citizens, adding: “Protesting does not mean bullets should be fired at citizens.”
Referring to developments in Britain, she alleged that attempts were being made to stifle public voices in the region and said recent events had been seen across the country.
Imran and Bushra Bibi remain incarcerated in Adiala Prison since 2023. They were sentenced on December 20, 2025 to 17 years in prison in the Toshakhana-II case, which involves allegations that the couple illegally retained a Bulgari jewelry set gifted by the Saudi crown prince during an official visit to Saudi Arabia.
Imran’s sons, Kasim and Suleiman, were not allowed to speak with their father by telephone and claim their visa application was intentionally delayed. Both reside in the UK with Imran’s ex-wife Jemima Goldsmith.
In February, it was revealed in a report prepared by lawyer Salman Safdar on the Supreme Court ruling that Imran had informed authorities that his right eye was functioning at only 15% of its capacity. Safdar submitted the report to a two-member bench.
Imran’s sisters, alongside party leaders, regularly stage sit-ins outside Adiala prison on Tuesdays and Thursdays, days designated by the court for meetings with Imran, although such visits have been largely suspended in recent months.
