In a significant development within Pakistan’s political landscape, Aleema Khan, the sister-in-law of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan, has conveyed critical instructions to party workers regarding an upcoming PTI meeting scheduled for September 8 in Islamabad. Her statements come amidst growing concerns and confusion following the sudden postponement of a previously planned PTI gathering, a decision that has sparked controversy within the party ranks.
Aleema Khan did not mince words as she openly criticized Azam Khan Swati, a senior PTI leader, for his role in the abrupt postponement of the PTI meeting. Speaking to the media after visiting Imran Khan in Adiala Jail, she questioned the motives behind the postponement, suggesting that certain individuals within the party may not have Imran Khan’s best interests at heart. “These people do not want to bring Imran Khan out,” she asserted, implying that there may be forces within the establishment working against the PTI leader’s agenda.
Aleema Khan’s remarks were particularly pointed when she questioned why Azam Swati visited the PTI founder so early in the morning, at 7:30 am. She raised concerns about the timing and the nature of the meeting, suggesting that such actions raise suspicions about the true intentions behind the postponement. “Why did the founder of PTI meet Azam Swati at 7:30 am? This is a question,” Aleema Khan stated, signaling her dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs within the party.
The sudden cancellation of the PTI meeting, originally planned for September 7, has become a focal point of controversy. Aleema Khan, conveying Imran Khan’s message, explained that the meeting was postponed due to concerns about potential chaos. According to her, the PTI founder was informed of a possible risk of unrest, with reports suggesting that religious parties were gathering in Islamabad. “The rally was postponed because I was told there was a risk of chaos,” Aleema Khan quoted Imran Khan as saying, adding that this decision was made to prevent any untoward incidents.
However, Aleema Khan’s statements have stirred further debate, particularly in light of contradictory claims from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government. The government’s statement has fueled speculation and raised questions about the real reasons behind the rally’s cancellation. Aleema Khan, visibly frustrated by the situation, expressed her anger, suggesting that certain elements were intent on keeping Imran Khan isolated and preventing him from mobilizing the party’s supporters.
Despite the postponement of the earlier meeting, Aleema Khan made it clear that Imran Khan remains resolute in his commitment to the September 8 rally. She emphasized that the meeting will go ahead as planned, regardless of any obstacles or attempts to derail it. “The meeting on September 8 will not be postponed,” Aleema Khan declared, conveying Imran Khan’s firm instructions to party leaders Azam Swati and Barrister Gohar. “The meeting on September 8 will be held anyway,” she reiterated, urging PTI workers to stand firm in their resolve.
Aleema Khan also delivered a strong message to the PTI workers, instructing them not to accept any further reports of cancellation. “If there is a report of canceling the meeting, then you will not accept it,” she stated, calling on the people to leave their homes and participate in the rally to “return the stolen mandate.” This statement reflects the PTI’s ongoing narrative of reclaiming what they perceive as a rightful electoral victory, a theme that has been central to their political rhetoric in recent months.
In a candid reflection on the situation, Aleema Khan expressed her surprise at how the events had unfolded. She questioned the logistics of the postponed meeting, noting that it seemed improbable for a meeting to have been scheduled at 7 o’clock in the morning under the current circumstances. “Nothing is possible in the jail without the establishment,” she remarked, suggesting that the postponement may have been influenced by external factors beyond the party’s control. “Meeting in the jail at 7 o’clock in the morning was also strange for us,” she added, further fueling speculation about the involvement of the establishment in the decision-making process.
Aleema Khan’s statements have added a new layer of complexity to the ongoing political drama surrounding Imran Khan and the PTI. Her criticism of Azam Swati and the establishment, coupled with her reaffirmation of the September 8 rally, highlights the internal divisions and external pressures facing the party. As the date of the rally approaches, all eyes will be on Islamabad to see how the situation unfolds and whether the PTI can successfully mobilize its supporters in the face of mounting challenges. The coming days are likely to be crucial in determining the future direction of the party and its leadership.
