Aleema Khan, sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, Tuesday alleged that the former prime minister is being kept in continuous solitary confinement, calling it illegal, unconstitutional and a clear violation of human rights, reported 24NewsHd TV channel.
Speaking to the media at the Gorakhpur Factory Checkpoint, Aleema Khan said the PTI founder has been held in solitary confinement for more than two months.
She said keeping a person in isolation even for five days amounts to a basic human rights violation, adding that the continued confinement breaches both national and international laws.
She said the sit-in protest was being held in response to these alleged violations.
“We are not breaking any law or taking any unconstitutional step, but those responsible for this confinement are violating the law,” she said.
Aleema Khan added that family meetings had been severely restricted, claiming she was only allowed a brief meeting of about 20 minutes during this period.
Questioning the motives behind the restrictions, she said isolating the PTI founder would not erase him from public memory.
“Neither will we forget him nor will we let him be forgotten,” she said, adding that the protest would continue until permission to meet him is granted.
Referring to reports of possible use of force, Aleema Khan said they had heard that water cannons and anti-riot vehicles had been arranged.
She said protesters were prepared for any action, adding that extra warm clothing and raincoats had been brought. “We are standing with the founder of PTI and will not back down,” she said.
Separately, Uzma Khan, another sister of the PTI founder, also spoke to the media at the checkpoint.
She said the family was waiting to meet Imran Khan and could do so even at midnight if allowed. “I am his sister, and no one can stop me from talking politics. I have the right to freedom of expression,” she said.
Uzma Khan denied receiving any instructions regarding what to say during meetings with the PTI founder, calling reports to that effect incorrect. She said she would convey whatever message her brother gave her and would not accept directions from anyone outside.
Responding to questions about remarks made in previous meetings, she said discussing state officials did not amount to political activity, adding that government officials are public servants paid through taxpayers’ money.
She said the state belongs to the people and criticised what she described as the erosion of constitutional norms.
“We are sitting here on the right path. Allah is with us,” Uzma Khan said, reiterating that the protest would continue.
Reporter: Irhsad Qureshi