On Tuesday, Aleema Khan publicly voiced deep apprehensions regarding the health and medical care of her husband, the imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan, who also leads the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Speaking to journalists at the DHA checkpoint in Rawalpindi, she described the gathering as the final iftar of Ramadan held in solidarity with the PTI chief. Her remarks underscored the family’s growing anxiety about Imran Khan’s deteriorating condition and the quality of treatment he is receiving while in custody.
Aleema Khan firmly rejected the official medical report submitted by government-appointed doctors, criticizing it as rushed and lacking credibility. She emphasized that the family would only accept medical assessments conducted in the presence of Imran Khan’s personal physician, insisting that any evaluation without his trusted doctor’s involvement would be incomplete and unreliable. This stance highlights the ongoing mistrust between the family and state authorities regarding the handling of the former prime minister’s health.
Turning to the recent Supreme Court proceedings, Aleema Khan recounted how the bench raised significant questions about Imran Khan’s medical condition and the treatment protocols. However, she expressed disappointment with the court’s ultimate response, particularly the Advocate General’s argument that transferring Imran Khan to a hospital might trigger law and order issues. She lamented that the court’s final decision did not meet the expectations set by its earlier inquiries, leaving the family and supporters frustrated.
She went further to accuse the authorities of deliberately keeping Imran Khan confined in jail despite his worsening health, warning that his eyesight could suffer permanent damage due to insufficient medical attention. Aleema Khan condemned the custodial conditions as inhumane and labeled the treatment of the former prime minister as a criminal act. She also pointed out that the Chief Commissioner, who oversees the jail administration, operates under the Interior Ministry, suggesting a chain of responsibility that implicates higher government officials.
In terms of legal strategy, Aleema Khan announced that a petition filed by Dr. Uzma regarding Imran Khan’s medical care would be withdrawn from the Supreme Court. Nonetheless, she assured that the family’s fight for adequate treatment and justice would continue unabated. She also updated the media on other ongoing legal matters, mentioning that the Chief Justice has scheduled hearings for March 31 in the Al Qadir Trust case. Additionally, she expressed cautious optimism about the possibility of bail being granted in the Toshakhana II case, which remains a significant concern for the PTI leadership.
Addressing media conduct, Aleema Khan criticized a recent report by a prominent news channel that inaccurately portrayed a meeting involving her and Sohail Afridi. She demanded a formal apology from the channel and condemned the practice of broadcasting news based on anonymous sources, calling for greater accountability and responsible journalism. This incident reflects the heightened sensitivity surrounding coverage of PTI figures and the scrutiny they face in the media landscape.
On regional matters, Aleema Khan expressed sorrow over reports of civilian casualties in Afghanistan, including a tragic incident at a rehabilitation center. She reiterated Imran Khan’s long-standing advocacy for peace and dialogue in the region, urging Pakistan to pursue diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan rather than military confrontation. “War is not a solution. Dialogue is the only way forward,” she stressed, warning that continued conflict could escalate tensions and destabilize the region further.
Concluding her address, Aleema Khan called for restraint, transparency, and peaceful dialogue both within Pakistan and in its foreign relations. Her remarks highlighted the urgent need for humane treatment of political prisoners and a diplomatic approach to regional challenges, reflecting the broader concerns of PTI supporters and civil society alike.
