Incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has urged his party’s leadership and supporters to prepare for a “major nationwide movement” aimed at ousting the ruling coalition government, according to his sister Aleema Khan, who spoke to the media outside Central Jail Adiala on Monday.
Aleema emphasized that Khan does not plan to call supporters to Islamabad, clarifying that the movement would unfold across the country. However, she did not announce a specific date for its launch.
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She said Khan had conveyed three key messages:
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He is being denied even the basic rights afforded to ordinary prisoners.
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Over the past eight months, he has only been permitted to speak to his children once.
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The jail administration continues to bar his sisters from meeting him and blocks the delivery of books sent to him.
Aleema also stated that the former prime minister, who has been incarcerated since August 2023 in connection with multiple cases including corruption and terrorism charges, is not being allowed to consult his personal physician.
Quoting Khan, she added, “There is no space in the party for those who play on both sides of the wicket,” and, “Even if I am jailed for life, I will not bow down.”
Despite Khan’s call for a protest movement, reports suggest that PTI is simultaneously working behind the scenes to initiate a new round of dialogue with the government. According to sources cited by The News, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar and Barrister Saif are actively engaged in these efforts, although talks had temporarily stalled due to rising tensions between Pakistan and India.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Adviser on Information Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif told Geo News that no formal negotiations are currently underway with any political party, though efforts to secure Khan’s release are ongoing.
It is notable that Barrister Saif met Khan at Adiala Jail last week. Sources revealed that during their meeting, Khan provided important instructions regarding the resumption of talks with the government.
In a significant political shift, Khan has reportedly agreed to engage in dialogue following a recent invitation from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. However, the PTI founder has insisted that any such discussions be held away from media spotlight to ensure productive results.
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This follows PM Shehbaz’s recent address in the National Assembly, where he extended an open invitation to PTI to join a national dialogue.