Aleema Khan, sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding chairperson Imran Khan, has entered the political arena, as confirmed by party sources on Saturday.
In a discreet visit to Peshawar and Mardan, Aleema Khan met with imprisoned and discontented PTI workers, who voiced their grievances, particularly against party leaders including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.
During these meetings, Aleema Khan pledged to launch a campaign dedicated to securing the release of Imran Khan, working closely with party workers. She criticized the current PTI leadership, accusing them of lacking the resolve to free the party’s founder from jail.
Last week, Aleema Khan’s frustration became public when she questioned the decision to postpone a PTI rally scheduled in Tarnol, Islamabad. She expressed doubts about the circumstances under which PTI leader Azam Swati visited Imran Khan at Adiala Jail at 7:30 AM, suspecting that the rally’s cancellation was influenced by external pressures from the establishment.
Aleema further criticized the current PTI leadership for making unilateral decisions without consulting Imran Khan, accusing them of using his name without genuinely intending to secure his release.
In the midst of these internal party tensions, PTI has reportedly formed a committee to address the growing disputes within the party. Former President Arif Alvi has been appointed to lead this committee and is expected to present recommendations within a week after consulting with dissenting leaders.
The PTI is currently grappling with increasing divisions at both the central and provincial levels. Recently, the party revoked the basic membership of former Senior Vice President and National Assembly member Sher Afzal Marwat, adding to the ongoing turmoil.
