Aleema Khan, sister of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, revealed on Friday that her brother has directed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to launch a nationwide protest campaign once Muharram 10 has passed.
Speaking to reporters outside an anti-terrorism court in Rawalpindi, Aleema shared that Imran Khan strongly opposes the proposed 27th Amendment, suggesting that it would be better to openly adopt a “monarchy” rather than continue down this political path.
This announcement follows a recent setback for PTI, after the Supreme Court ruled that the party was not entitled to reserved seats for women and minorities in parliament—a decision that has further deepened tensions between the party and the ruling coalition.
The government, while acknowledging the right to peaceful protest, has warned PTI against any actions that could lead to violence or destabilize the country.
Aleema disclosed that a full-fledged plan for the anti-government campaign has already been prepared. She quoted Imran urging people to “stand up for their freedom,” reiterating his belief that “imprisonment is better than living in slavery.”
Painting a grim picture of her brother’s time in custody, Aleema claimed Imran is being held in harsh conditions, spending 22 hours a day confined to a cell and denied access to basic rights like phone calls with his children or even books. “He hasn’t spoken to his sons in over six months,” she said, calling the restrictions both inhumane and unlawful.
Drawing comparisons, Aleema accused authorities of double standards, stating that former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif received meals from home and hosted hundreds of visitors while in detention. “He and his daughter were kept in what looked more like a rest house,” she said.
She also voiced concern that Imran, as the head of Pakistan’s largest political party, has not been allowed to meet his party members for the past eight months—a move she says denies him his constitutional right to political consultation.
Meanwhile, PTI spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram clarified that the party had earlier postponed protests in light of the Iran-Israel conflict and to respect the sanctity of Muharram. He confirmed that preparations by PTI’s provincial leadership are now complete.
“In the first phase, protests will take place across provinces and districts,” he told Geo News, emphasizing that the movement will remain peaceful. Responding to a question about KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s remarks on carrying weapons to the protests, Akram said it was about self-defence. “What he meant is simple—everyone has the right to defend themselves.”
He also confirmed that Imran Khan has personally asked Gandapur to lead the protest movement.
As political temperatures rise once again, all eyes are on the PTI’s next move and the government’s response.
