RAWALPINDI/ISLAMABAD/LAHORE:
Amidst persistent rumours of secret deals and behind-the-scenes negotiations, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has categorically rejected any compromise, declaring that he would rather “spend his life in jail” than yield to what he denounced as “a system of Pharaohs and Yazidiyat.”
The former prime minister conveyed this uncompromising stance from Adiala Jail through his sister, Aleema Khan, urging his party to focus on a nationwide movement rather than just Islamabad. “No matter the torture they inflict, I will never accept slavery,” Imran asserted, as recounted by Aleema during a media interaction on Monday.
Aleema highlighted three main points from her brother’s message, including the denial of even basic rights in prison. “In eight months, he has spoken to his children only once,” she revealed, adding that family visits are restricted and even books they try to send him are being held back by the jail administration.
She also alleged that Imran’s personal doctors were being denied access and that court orders regarding contempt petitions were being ignored. “Bushra Bibi has been jailed to pressure him, but even then he says: ‘I will not bend,’” Aleema said.
Aleema dismissed claims by vloggers and YouTubers suggesting a deal for Imran’s release, describing them as “planted stories to cool down public sentiment.” She said, “They’re trying to manage expectations by saying the Americans have arrived and a deal has been done, but none of it is true.”
Reiterating the PTI’s ideological stance, Imran stressed through Aleema that “the PTI is a party of ideology, not selectable,” and that those not aligned with this vision have no place in the party.
He was also reportedly frustrated with judicial delays. “The Al-Qadir case hasn’t been scheduled for a hearing in three months,” Aleema quoted him as saying. “Cases related to May 9 and bail are also pending. Judges promised hearings but didn’t deliver.”
‘Imran Could Be Released Before Eid’
Meanwhile, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan expressed optimism that Imran Khan could be released before the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha. Speaking to journalists outside the Islamabad High Court (IHC) with Senator Shibli Faraz, Gohar called on party workers to remain calm, assuring them that every legal avenue is being pursued.
“We’ve held protests, raised the issue in Parliament, and approached the courts,” he said. “Our people are understandably upset—no one can comprehend how and why Imran Khan has spent two years behind bars.”
He said Imran remains steadfast in faith, believing that “Allah will show the way.” Gohar added that the PTI’s patience has been stretched thin: “Even judges are tired of writing judgments. We’re doing everything to ensure Imran’s cases are heard and decided on merit.”
Senator Faraz noted that the acting chief justice of the IHC had personally assured them that Imran’s petitions would be scheduled for hearings this week. “This wasn’t just any assurance—it came directly from the acting chief justice, and we take it seriously,” Faraz said.
He warned that denying access to justice would only fuel instability. “People go to courts for justice. If they don’t get it, unrest follows. We believe in the Constitution and will continue to push for justice,” he stressed.
Faraz also took aim at the PPP and PML-N, saying the 26th Constitutional Amendment had already ruined their political standing. “Once Imran is free, their governments will fall,” he predicted.
Court Approves Photogrammetric, Polygraph Tests
In a separate development in Lahore, an anti-terrorism court granted permission for police to conduct photogrammetric and polygraph tests of Imran Khan once more.
The court directed the police to submit the test results by June 9 after the DSP Legal, Javed, stated that investigations could not proceed without these tests. He noted that Imran had refused the tests twice in writing and once verbally.
“We assure the court that we will cooperate fully, and justice will not only be done but seen to be done,” the DSP said.
