Imran Khan tells PTI to boycott by-elections, quit committees

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has instructed the party not to participate in upcoming by-elections, advising parliamentary members to resign from all committees and referring the matter to the party’s political committee for final consultation.

The instructions were relayed during a meeting at Adiala Jail with his sisters, Aleema Khan and Uzma Khan, as well as senior party leaders Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Salman Akram Raja, and Barrister Ali Zafar.

Speaking to the media following the meeting, Aleema said that Imran reiterated his firm opposition to the by-polls and called on all PTI lawmakers to resign from parliamentary committees.

“The political committee will deliberate on the matter, but Khan sahib has made his position clear: entering these elections would validate the unlawful disqualifications and selective justice we are facing,” she said.

“He told us to convey a clear message: keeping me in solitary confinement will not yield any results,” Aleema quoted him as saying. She further quoted her brother as reaffirming his resolve, saying, “I will not bow down, nor will I make any deal.”

While confirming that her brother was in stable health, she noted that he was experiencing an eye condition requiring medical attention. “We are submitting a request to the court for medical examination, and PIMS doctors will soon conduct a check-up,” she added.

Aleema added that Imran denounced the current state of the media, stating that “mainstream media has lost credibility among the public” and was under state control. 

On regional policy, he voiced opposition to the forced repatriation of Afghan refugees, calling it a violation of Islamic values. “He said he was ashamed of how Afghans were being treated,” Aleema noted.

The PTI founder also expressed sorrow over flood-related devastation in Buner and other areas, underscoring the need to appreciate the long-term significance of the Billion Tree Tsunami project.

Turning to personal grievances, Aleema and Uzma condemned the arrest of their sons Shershah and Shahrez. “Shahrez is a businessman and has represented Pakistan in sports. What threat did he pose?” Uzma asked. Aleema added: “If they want to arrest someone, arrest me — but targeting our children reveals their fear.”

She further revealed that Imran refused to accept the resignation submitted by party Secretary-General Salman Akram Raja, instructing him to continue his responsibilities. She also dismissed rumours of any friction between her and Salman Akram Raja, calling him a “trusted legal advisor and part of the family.”

Speaking separately to the media, Raja stated that his resignation had not been accepted. He confirmed that the party’s political committee would reconvene later in the evening to finalise the strategy regarding by-elections.

“We discussed national issues, the situation in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa following the floods, and the hardships Bushra Bibi is facing in detention,” he added, noting that Khan remained engaged and composed despite the conditions of solitary confinement.

Meanwhile, Barrister Gohar told reporters that PTI was planning a major public rally in September to demand judicial independence and Khan’s release. “It will be a rally for democracy and judicial freedom,” he said.

He also confirmed that Khan’s basic jail privileges had been restored, including access to books and television.