RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has stated that his sons will not travel to Pakistan to participate in the party’s protest movement scheduled for August 5.
Rumors had been circulating that Imran Khan’s sons were arriving in Pakistan to join demonstrations demanding their father’s release. However, sources close to the former prime minister confirmed that his sons would not be taking part in the protests.
During a court hearing held inside Adiala Jail on Tuesday, where Imran Khan and his legal team were present, he was asked whether his sons, reportedly back from the US, would join the protest. Imran Khan responded plainly, “They will not come to Pakistan for the protest.”
Previously, PTI’s local leadership and Imran’s sister, Aleema Khan, had publicly claimed that his sons would participate in the upcoming protest. However, Imran himself has denied this. He added that if his sons do visit Pakistan, it would be solely to meet him, and the court would ensure that such a meeting takes place.
Speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail, Aleema Khan said that the Chief Election Commissioner had disqualified members of the National and Provincial Assemblies without offering them a fair hearing. She also criticized the jail authorities, stating that only one lawyer was allowed inside while others were denied entry. Despite it being the scheduled day for a family meeting with Imran Khan, no such meeting was arranged.
She emphasized that the trial of Imran Khan in the Toshakhana case lacked fairness, quoting her brother as saying it resembled a “kangaroo court” where convictions were handed out without due process.
Aleema Khan further stated that Imran Khan said those standing up for the rule of law had been jailed, while a party with just 17 seats was handed the reins of power. He claimed the Election Commission was unlawfully de-seating lawmakers and that the current Chief Election Commissioner had inflicted the greatest harm on democracy in Pakistan’s history.
Aleema added that Imran Khan believes the only way forward is for all citizens to rise in defense of the rule of law. “The movement has begun,” she quoted him as saying. “Everyone must play their part. This will continue until true freedom is achieved.”
She concluded with a personal note: “There are 60 cases against me too. We are not afraid—we are standing for Pakistan.”
