Aleema says Imran will not bow

Aleema Khan, sister of incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan, on Tuesday rejected any notion of ongoing backchannel talks, saying no negotiations were taking place and challenging anyone claiming otherwise to engage directly with her brother. The statement came as sisters of the incarcerated leader were once again denied access to meet him at Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail, prompting the party to decry the continued restrictions as a "blatant violation of fundamental human and constitutional rights". Speaking to the media at Gorakhpur checkpoint near Adiala Jail, Aleema said the former prime minister remained defiant despite prolonged incarceration. "No negotiations and no talks are taking place. If anyone has the courage, they should go and speak to the PTI founder directly and hold negotiations," she said. Aleema claimed that Imran was "extremely angry" and had been kept in solitary confinement for nearly three years. She questioned the logic of detaining him for such a prolonged period and then suggesting a deal. She further alleged that there were deliberate attempts to damage his eyesight to pressure him into seeking a deal. "Eid has passed, but we were not allowed to meet him. Today is the first Tuesday after Eid, so we should be allowed a meeting. We have come for a meeting and will sit here until we are allowed. This is our constitutional and legal right, and denying it is a violation of human rights," she said. She also raised concerns about the lack of transparency regarding Imran's medical treatment, stating that even the family had not been informed about his recent procedure. Responding to a question about his transfer between jail and hospital, she said, "We don't know anything; even the family was not informed. We found out through social media, newspapers and TV. We have no idea what treatment is being given." Aleema added that the two doctors suggested by the family had not been allowed proper access or information. Meanwhile, her sister Noreen Niazi strongly criticised the situation, saying, "There is no law in the country". She rejected any suggestion of a deal, adding, "Those who had assets abroad and committed theft made deals. The PTI founder has committed no crime and is imprisoned unjustly. We will not let this go. From jail authorities to government members involved, everyone will be held accountable." Meanwhile, the party's Islamabad chapter proposed a structured roadmap for securing Imran's release, asserting that a comprehensive and coordinated strategy was essential.