Former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, on Thursday urged a swift decision in the Al-Qadir Trust case, stating that the judiciary’s reputation was on the line, as reported by News.
Speaking to reporters outside the Islamabad High Court, Aleema Khan questioned the delay in announcing the verdict. “The judge has heard the case thoroughly. Now, he should deliver the decision. What is causing the delay?” she asked.
She rejected claims that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party was seeking support from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. “Is PTI relying on Trump? Why do you keep asking this? Has Imran Khan been in jail for 18 months waiting for him?” she retorted.
Aleema emphasized that her brother was imprisoned to prove his innocence. “He deserves credit for standing his ground,” she said.
Labeling the Al-Qadir Trust case as “ridiculous,” Aleema accused the judiciary of dragging out proceedings unnecessarily. She also alleged that journalists reporting on prison conditions fairly are denied access to Imran Khan.
She reiterated her demand for a prompt ruling, saying, “We hope the verdict is announced tomorrow.” She added that Imran Khan trusted the judiciary, but the current situation was more a test of the judiciary than of him. “Some will succeed, and others will not,” she remarked.
Aleema Khan suggested the verdict was already decided and criticized the delay in its announcement. “If acquittal was the outcome, it should have been declared on the first day,” she said. “If a judge delivers a biased or flawed judgment, the media will hold them accountable.”
She claimed Imran Khan had sent a message indicating that the verdict was initially expected on December 23, then on January 6, and now it had allegedly leaked before its official release. She accused authorities of stalling the decision to pressure Imran Khan into making a deal.
Referring to events on May 9 and November 26, Aleema Khan said Imran Khan had called for “neutral umpires” to investigate. She quoted him as saying, “Whoever is guilty, whether from PTI or elsewhere, should face consequences.”
Aleema accused authorities of detaining individuals without evidence. “We attend court, but no investigation officer has ever presented evidence against us,” she claimed.
She denied PTI was negotiating a deal but confirmed that the party had formed a committee to engage with the government. “We have never closed the door to dialogue, but Khan has set two conditions,” she said without providing further details.
Regarding reports of a meeting between PTI leaders Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Ali Amin Gandapur, and Army Chief General Asim Munir, she welcomed such an interaction if it occurred.
Aleema also noted that donors continued supporting PTI-linked institutions like Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital and Namal University despite legal challenges.
The Al-Qadir Trust case involves allegations that Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, received financial favors in return for granting legal cover to a real estate tycoon. Imran Khan denies the accusations, calling them politically motivated.
