Aleema Khan, sister of former prime minister Imran Khan, addressed the media outside Adiala Jail on Tuesday to clarify her stance on internal party rifts and her role within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). 

The statements follow a public exchange with PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, who recently offered his resignation after Aleema criticized the leadership’s inability to secure her brother’s release.

Raja had previously claimed that Imran Khan had to him that suggested his sister lacked a proper understanding of politics.

During the interaction, Aleema distanced herself from party hierarchy, stating that she holds no formal position. She maintained that her primary focus remains the release of her brother from incarceration rather than seeking a seat within the party structure. While she noted that she might be eligible for a role, she reiterated that she is not concentrating on such ambitions.

Responding to allegations that PTI protests intended to sabotage US-Iran dialogue, Aleema dismissed the connection between local politics and international negotiations. 

She questioned the moral standing of the current administration, stating, “When people are imprisoned unlawfully and the country lacks a justice system, what moral standing do you have? Who will trust you when you speak lies to your own people while trying to resolve conflicts between neighbouring countries?”

She further criticized the government’s silence on international human rights issues, including the plight of Palestinians and incidents in Iran. Aleema also commented on the unreliability of Donald Trump, noting his shifting stances and his comments regarding the Strait of Hormuz.


The divide between party leadership and the Khan family had deepened after Raja revealed instructions from Imran Khan not to be “subordinate” to Aleema’s political directives. Raja claimed that the PTI founder described his sister’s political sense as limited. 

These disclosures followed Aleema’s frustration over the cancellation of the April 9 Rawalpindi rally, a move she viewed as a surrender.

Friction had also persisted regarding the former prime minister’s health. Aleema accused the PTI political committee of inaction, claiming they visit jail to discuss rally cancellations rather than medical urgency. 

She had demanded that party office-bearers lead from the front, suggesting a sit-in at Attock Bridge strategy Raja dismissed as disorganized.