ISLAMABAD: Aleema Khan, the sister of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, strongly defended her brother on Thursday, dismissing his critics as “cowards” and reiterating her family’s determination to continue their political fight despite mounting pressures.
Speaking to reporters outside a local court, she issued a defiant challenge: “I dare anyone to even touch Imran Khan, and then you’ll see what your real worth is.”
She also criticised those who vocally attack her family, saying, “Those who shout slogans on television are nothing but cowards,” adding that calling her family traitors only serves to give them a “badge of honour.”
Her comments come in response to growing political and media attacks, which have intensified following a recent press conference by the top military spokesman against the jailed former prime minister. Despite his imprisonment, Aleema insisted that her brother remains resilient. “Imran Khan stands firm. No one dares to lay a hand on him. He is under the protection of Allah,” she stated.
Khan’s remarks also targeted what she described as a “rigged political system” that favours small elite while exploiting the common people. “The real criminals are those who control key industries like minerals, real estate, cement, sugar, and wheat,” she said, alleging that these powerful figures manipulate the system for personal gain.
In addition, she recounted a recent incident in which she and other Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters were subjected to a police crackdown involving water cannons at 2:30 am on an unreasonably cold night. She also defended the presence of women at the scene, rejecting questions about their participation as inappropriate. “We were there to show our support for Imran Khan, who is beloved by millions,” she asserted.
While facing her own legal challenges, she emphasised her commitment to free speech, saying, “The Constitution allows me to express my views. If they shoot at us, we will be martyrs. We are no longer afraid.”
She expressed confidence in her right to speak openly, regardless of the potential legal repercussions. “They can threaten us, but they will not silence us,” she added.
Closing her remarks, she framed the attacks on her family as a sign of their enduring political influence, stating, “Those who call us traitors only make us stronger. Thanks to my brother, Pakistan’s international respect has reached new heights.”
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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