Imran Khan Facing Military Trial, Denied Basic Rights: Sister Aleema Khan Speaks Out

ISLAMABAD: Aleema Khan, sister of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, has alleged that her brother is undergoing a military trial rather than a civil one, with heavy interference from the Pakistan Army. Speaking at a press conference alongside Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and other Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, Aleema revealed troubling conditions surrounding Imran Khan’s detention and trial.

Aleema stated that Imran Khan is being denied basic entitlements, including access to books and meetings with media representatives. She claimed the judge handling the case is under the influence of a Pakistan Army colonel who takes orders from Field Marshal Asim Munir, effectively questioning the trial’s independence.

Addressing Imran Khan’s views on regional security, Aleema quoted him saying that Afghanistan is being targeted through a false-flag operation, which has also led to casualties in Pakistan. Despite the turmoil, Imran urged PTI leaders and lawmakers to prioritize flood relief efforts and pursue peace negotiations, supporting the idea of a delegation led by PTI-backed Leader of the Opposition Mahmood Khan Achakzai.

Aleema highlighted Imran Khan’s insistence on seeking justice through the courts despite numerous cases filed against him. She reiterated his claims that PTI’s mandate was stolen in the February 8, 2024 General Elections and pointed to a Commonwealth report confirming vote rigging — allegations ignored by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, who she said should face constitutional consequences.

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Imran Khan also criticized the 26th Constitutional Amendment, accusing current rulers of manipulating national institutions to marginalize him politically. Aleema mentioned former Rawalpindi Commissioner Liaquat Chattha’s statement supporting PTI’s election success and named former Supreme Court Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and the CEC as key figures behind the amendment.

KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur condemned the charges against Imran Khan as baseless and urged the public to focus on “real freedom.” He emphasized the importance of PTI’s upcoming Peshawar rally to demonstrate strength and secure political decisions in their favor, promising participation from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Gandapur vowed that the movement would persist within constitutional limits, favoring resistance over reconciliation.

Imran Khan’s Lawyer Salman Safdar spoke on the progress of the legal cases, revealing that recent witness cross-examinations exposed false testimonies, causing the prosecution’s case to collapse. He criticized the slow and staggered trial process, with cases filed but not scheduled for hearing, and called on the Chief Justice to expedite proceedings. Safdar expressed concern over the prolonged delays and lack of trial dates, highlighting the pressure Imran Khan faces as he confronts multiple charges.

The political drama continues to unfold amid heightened tensions, with Imran Khan’s legal battles and detention drawing widespread attention across Pakistan.