'They have decided to put me in jail": Imran Khan's sister Aleema alleges crackdown on PTI leadership

(FILES) Aleema Khan (C), sister of Pakistan's jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, speaks to media after a court verdict outside the Islamabad High Court at the capital on June 3, 2024.

Aleema Khan, sister of former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan, has sharply criticised the government, alleging a “pre-planned political vendetta" against her family and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

Her comments come shortly after she ended her sit-in outside Adiala Jail, where Imran Khan remains incarcerated. Aleema claimed that the authorities have already decided her fate and intend to detain her without following any legal procedure.

“They have decided to put me in jail without any judgment. There is no court order, no trial, and no legal basis," she said, according to top intelligence sources as quoted by CNN-News18.

These sources said Aleema accused the government of using state institutions to intimidate the Khan family and PTI leadership. She alleged that due process is being ignored at a time when public anger is reportedly growing over Imran Khan’s treatment in prison.

Aleema also alleged economic persecution, calling it “economic strangulation." According to the sources, she said, “They have closed my bank accounts without any verdict," arguing that her personal finances were deliberately targeted.

She insisted that these actions were taken without any notice or judicial oversight. She further warned that the pressure on her is part of a “broader crackdown aimed at crippling PTI leadership" and preventing the Khans from organising political activities. She claimed her arrest was being timed with rising protests in both Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab.

Her accusations follow heightened public concern regarding Imran Khan’s conditions in Adiala Jail. Intelligence inputs suggest the government is “acting out of fear" due to “rising anger over Imran Khan’s alleged torture and isolation inside jail."

Aleema has also said that authorities want to “eliminate all public voices questioning Imran Khan’s health," after repeated attempts by his sisters to meet him were denied. This issue recently escalated into a major political flashpoint during a sit-in at the Gorakhpur checkpost outside Adiala Jail.

The protest caused significant disruption on Adiala Jail Road, leading to long traffic jams and affecting commuters, ambulances, and school vehicles. The standoff ended only after negotiations, during which police assured Aleema and PTI leaders that they would be allowed to meet the former prime minister.