Azra Hoosen | ah@radioislam.co.za
19 September 2024 | 09:00 CAT
4 min read

Serious allegations of an assassination plot targeting Pakistan’s Former Prime Minister, Imran Khan, while in prison have surfaced. In an exclusive interview with Radio Islam, Khans’ sister, Aleema Khan, voiced concerns over the escalating threats and the volatile political landscape in Pakistan.

Aleema Khan emphasised that Imran Khan has been resolute in his stance, making it clear that he will not leave Pakistan. Despite the challenges, he is determined to face the legal system head-on. For the past 13 months, he has dealt with multiple cases, all being tried within the confines of the prison. Authorities set up a community center to allow limited family attendance. Initially, media access was restricted, but protests over a treason case led to the demand for public attendance to ensure a fair trial. This breakthrough allowed Imran Khan some interaction, sparing him from complete isolation.

She shared that during this challenging period, Imran Khan has been deeply immersed in learning, particularly from the Quran. “He is not wasting a minute,” she said, highlighting his dedication to reading extensively about history, Sufism, and various political systems from the past. “He says the best place to learn from is history, and that’s how he spends his time,” she added.

Aleema Khan recounted that there were several assassination attempts on Imran Khan, including one where snipers opened fire, injuring 13 people. Imran himself was struck by three bullets in the legs, resulting in a fractured leg. She raised concerns about his safety in prison, questioning, “What would change that they would not attempt again on him in jail?”

The ongoing threats continue to cast a shadow over his safety. “This is not something I am saying; this was something Imran said to us ten days ago; he drew the parallel. Imran said: ‘They will try and finish him off in jail, like they did with Morsi in Egypt’. Which means they do not kill you with a bullet or poison, they give you a heart attack, then they take you to the hospital and say he died of a heart attack,” she said.

She revealed the initial difficulties they faced in getting medical attention for Imran Khan. When they attempted to send a doctor, they had to go to court multiple times to get someone to examine him. Sometimes, it would take a few months before they allowed a doctor. However, she reassures that, despite the challenges, currently Imran Khan remains in good health. He assures that he is a healthy man with no ailments and is doing well. They cannot blame it on any health issues, she affirmed. A doctor has examined him, and there are no concerns regarding his physical condition.

“We have heard, through a source that a decision has been taken to eliminate Imran Khan. There is a huge uprising, anger and concern in Pakistan,” she said.

She highlighted the overwhelming public support for Imran Khan, stating, “The people want him out of prison.” She emphasised that under incredibly tough circumstances, with no party symbol, no candidates in the field, and no campaigns, Imran secured a two-thirds majority.

She described the situation as unprecedented, saying it “shook up the whole system.”

According to Aleema Khan, more than 100 seats were stolen the following day, supported by evidence. “It’s one of the biggest stolen mandates in the world,” she claimed. The reluctance to return the mandate, she noted, could expose those responsible to prosecution under Article 6 for violating the constitution, presenting a significant challenge to the current political landscape.

She explained that there is a Chief Justice, Qazi Faez Isa, who is supposed to retire next month, but the purpose of this entire process is to grant him an extension so that he can provide them with protection and prevent anyone from pressing charges against them. “It is all being done for Isa. What they were trying to present in the National Assembly court, they wanted to do in the middle of the night but didn’t get support; it was so shocking what they were trying to do; a lot of their supporting parties backed out, basically this was done to transfer Imran to a military jail, and then you lock him away, and no one can see him,” she said.

She criticised the current use of the term “terrorism,” noting that it has been trivialised to the point where women, the elderly, and thousands of others are being charged under it. “This model doesn’t work anymore,” she said, calling the tactics employed outdated and from another century.

She emphasised that the party represents more than just a candidate; it embodies the aspirations of young people seeking a different future and Pakistan needs better governance.

“We are not going to sit and watch this happen. We will get him out, we will not allow them to do this to such a precious leader. He might be my brother, but he is extremely important for us in Pakistan; we need him,” said Aleema Khan.

LISTEN to the full interview with Ml Junaid Kharsany and Former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Sisters Aleema Khan, here.