Imran’s sister says only acceptable ‘deal’ is restoration of judiciary, free and fair elections

ISLAMABAD: Aleema Khan, sister of incarcerated former premier Imran Khan, on Tuesday said that the only acceptable “deal” would be the restoration of an independent judiciary and the holding of free and fair elections in the country, as authorities once again denied her a meeting with her brother. Speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail, Aleema said it was their constitutional right to meet Imran. She vowed to continue visiting Adiala, saying it was the only way to exert pressure on the “powers that be”. “The family of Imran and party leaders will continue efforts for an independent judiciary and a free media,” she emphasised. Replying to a question regarding rumours of a meeting between the PTI founder and a former military chief, she rejected such claims, terming them politically motivated. “No such meeting has taken place, and such rumours are circulated whenever political temperatures rise.” Aleema said that she had earlier asked PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan about reports of a meeting with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. According to her, Barrister Gohar confirmed the meeting and conveyed assurances regarding access to the PTI founder. However, she said those assurances did not materialise, adding that priority should instead be given to ensuring proper medical treatment and care for the former premier. She also said that if any political consultations or meetings were being held on behalf of the party leadership, they should be conducted “transparently and communicated openly to party members”. Commenting on the security arrangements around Adiala jail, the PTI founder’s sister claimed that road closures and restrictions reflected the government’s “fear of public support for Imran Khan”. She further alleged that the authorities were attempting to prevent discussions about Imran’s health. Aleema maintained that the “objective of the current political efforts was the release of Imran Khan”. She added that any elected representative who genuinely worked for