Imran Khan sends strong messages from jail as Aleema Khan faces protests in media talk

After the hearing of the Toshakhana-II case against former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi at Adiala Jail on Monday, PTI leader Aleema Khan addressed the media, relaying four key messages from the PTI founder while the press conference itself turned tense amid protests by journalists.

Aleema Khan said Imran Khan believed the Toshakhana-II case was nearing closure, noting that a key witness had been proven a liar, while the former military secretary had declared all documents correct. “It seems this case will be wrapped up in the next two or three hearings, and we hope both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi will be released,” she said.

She conveyed Khan’s messages on politics, the judiciary, and Pakistan’s future. According to him, PTI had secured a two-thirds majority but its mandate was stolen, and power was handed to “thieves and convicted individuals.”

He lamented that morality had collapsed in Pakistan, the media was strangled, and the judiciary was suppressed under the 26th Amendment. However, he praised judges who had resisted pressure, calling them “heroes of the nation.”

Imran Khan also said the September 27 rally represented the nation’s struggle for freedom, entrusting its success to Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Junaid Akbar.

He declared that PTI had attempted negotiations with the establishment for three years but had only faced increased pressure. “There is no use in negotiations anymore. Whoever wants to talk should come to jail,” Khan was quoted as saying, instructing Barrister Gohar, Barrister Saif, and Gandapur not to engage further.

On foreign policy, Khan welcomed the recent Pakistan-Saudi Arabia defense agreement, stressing the importance of maintaining international contacts. “The protection of Haramain Sharifain is a blessing for us,” he added.

The media talk, however, turned contentious.

Journalists protested that Aleema Khan was ignoring their questions and speaking only on her own terms. “This is not right, answer our questions first,” some shouted.

Though Aleema initially promised to respond later, she abruptly ended the session and left, sparking anger among the press. Tensions escalated as journalists and PTI workers exchanged heated words, with one journalist, Tayyab Baloch, asking pointedly about allegations of “promoting Qadiani sedition” and “Mission Noor,” questions Aleema refused to address before departing in her car.

The confrontation highlighted the mounting friction between PTI and sections of the media, even as the party braces for its major September 27 rally.