In a significant development in Pakistan's ongoing political drama, Aleema Khan, the sister of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, has taken legal action against prison authorities for preventing her from meeting her incarcerated brother. The petition was filed on Friday in the Islamabad High Court, marking another chapter in the tense standoff between Imran Khan's supporters and the establishment.
Legal Battle Intensifies Over Prison Visits
Aleema Khan submitted a contempt of court petition directly challenging the Adiala Jail superintendent and other officials for their failure to comply with court-ordered visitation rights. The dramatic filing occurred in the presence of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and several other prominent leaders from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan's political party.
The legal document specifically references the Islamabad High Court's March 24 order, which had clearly reinstated a twice-weekly meeting schedule for the 73-year-old former cricket star turned politician. Despite this explicit court directive allowing visits on Tuesdays and Thursdays, prison authorities have consistently refused to implement the order, according to the petition.
Political Protests Escalate
The filing of this petition comes after a marathon 16-hour sit-in protest that began on Thursday and extended into early Friday. Both Aleema Khan and Chief Minister Afridi participated in this demonstration after being denied access to the imprisoned former leader. The protest represents the growing frustration among PTI supporters over what they perceive as unjust treatment of their leader.
In a bold political move, Chief Minister Afridi issued a stark warning following his failed attempt to meet with the chief justice of the Islamabad High Court. He declared that his party would prevent both the National Assembly and Senate from conducting their sessions. This threat signals a significant escalation in the political confrontation between PTI and the ruling government.
Local media outlets captured dramatic scenes of PTI lawmakers raising slogans in the Senate against Khan's continued imprisonment. Afridi further announced plans for additional demonstrations, stating that supporters would gather outside both the high court and Adiala Jail next Tuesday.
Health Concerns and Government Response
The petition filed by Aleema Khan emphasizes her deep concern about her brother's wellbeing and the conditions of his confinement. She has expressed particular worry about whether he is receiving humane treatment and whether his legal rights are being respected during his ongoing incarceration at Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail, where he has been held since August 2023 on corruption charges.
Meanwhile, rumors about Imran Khan's deteriorating health have been circulating, though authorities have firmly denied these concerns. Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry addressed parliament on Thursday, asserting that the former prime minister remains in good health and even enjoys unusual privileges, including access to a personal chef—facilities reportedly unavailable to other prisoners.
The individuals named in the contempt petition include Adiala Jail Superintendent Abdul Ghafoor Anjum, Saddar Beroni police station SHO Raja Aizaz Azeem, Federal Interior Secretary Capt (retd) Muhammad Khurram Agha, and Punjab Home Department Secretary Noorul Amin.
This legal and political battle continues to unfold as PTI leadership remains determined to secure both access to their imprisoned leader and information about his actual condition. Chief Minister Afridi, who replaced Ali Amin Ganadapur as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister last month, has identified securing Imran Khan's release as his top priority, though his efforts to meet with the PTI founder have so far proven unsuccessful.
