Aleema Khan, sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, announced on Friday that the party will begin a nationwide protest movement against the government after the 10th of Muharram. Speaking to the media outside an anti-terrorism court in Rawalpindi, she conveyed Imran’s directives, where he criticized the 27th Amendment and sarcastically suggested that a “monarchy” would be better than the current system. The announcement follows the Supreme Court’s decision to deny PTI its share of reserved seats for minorities and women in parliament.
While PTI leaders claim their protests will be peaceful, the government has issued a stern warning against any violent demonstrations. Aleema Khan stated that a detailed protest plan has already been prepared, with Imran Khan urging the public to “come out for their freedom.” She reiterated his famous stance: “Imprisonment is better than slavery.” Meanwhile, PTI spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram confirmed that protests had been delayed twice—first due to the Iran-Israel conflict and then out of respect for Muharram.
Aleema Khan made serious allegations about Imran Khan’s detention conditions, claiming he spends 22 hours a day in solitary confinement, is denied contact with his children, and has no access to books. She compared his treatment to that of former PM Nawaz Sharif, who allegedly enjoys home-cooked meals and frequent visitors. “This inhumane treatment violates basic rights,” she said, adding that Imran has also been barred from political consultations as PTI chief for eight months.
PTI spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram stated that provincial leaders are ready for the first phase of protests, which will begin at district levels. When asked about KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s controversial statement on carrying weapons during protests, Akram clarified that Gandapur was referring to “self-defense” rights. The PTI insists its movement will remain peaceful but warns against state crackdowns, recalling that “the first bullet fired only strengthened Imran Khan’s resolve.” As tensions rise, Pakistan braces for another wave of political unrest