Aleema Khan sees rise of young leaders as beginning of new political era in Pakistan

A Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) senior leader on Tuesday described the rise of youth leadership as the beginning of a “new politics” in Pakistan.

During a media interaction at the Factory Checkpoint near Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, jailed former prime minister Imran Khan's elder sister Aleema Khan said that young leader Sohail Afridi represents the future of the country. She claimed that traditional politics has been “buried by the younger generation.” She expressed optimism over the growing political role of youth, saying it was encouraging to see the new generation stepping forward. She said she is praying that they be granted courage and strength.

Rejecting perceptions of insecurity in Karachi, she said that claim of widespread fear in the city were false. She argued that the peaceful conduct of political activity demonstrated public confidence, noting that Sohail Afridi remained visible atop his vehicle throughout his time there, which she said reflected the calm and resilience of Karachi’s residents.

The PTI leader credited Afridi with “breaking the idols of fear” in Karachi, asserting that he focused on action rather than rhetoric. She added that such fearless youth would shape the future political leadership of Pakistan.

Referring to the party’s founder and chairman, Aleema said that messages conveyed by him had been shared on social media platform X for the public to read. She said PTI representatives were carrying the founder’s message across the country, adding that political awareness had grown to the extent that “the whole of Pakistan is a politician at this time.”

Aleema emphasized public accountability, saying citizens want to know the role of judges and politicians alike, stressing that elected representatives are “sons of the country” who must answer what they are doing for the people. She claimed that a “new Pakistan” was taking shape in which the public would decide the direction of politics.

Criticizing rival parties Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan People's Party (PPP), Aleema questioned their political systems, asking whether they functioned like private companies with shareholdings.

She reiterated party leaders' commitment to securing the release of the PTI founder, saying the party would take all necessary steps within its political struggle. According to Aleema, the PTI founder had issued instructions through party leaders, including guidance to prepare for and launch a street movement.

Concluding the media talk, Aleema said democracy was defined by the will of the people, adding that political relevance depended on maintaining a clear connection with the party founder, whose direction, she said, continues to shape the party’s strategy.