Jailed Imran Khan directs PTI to prepare for nationwide movement

Incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan has instructed his party to prepare for a "major nationwide movement" to oust the incumbent government, his sister Aleema Khan revealed after meeting him at Adiala Jail on Monday.

Aleema quoted Khan as saying the protest would "span across Pakistan" rather than focus on Islamabad, though no timeline was given. She alleged the former PM faces "harsher restrictions than ordinary prisoners", including limited family contact—only one call with his children in eight months—and barred meetings with his sisters. Books sent to him are also reportedly confiscated.

The 71-year-old, jailed since August 2023 on charges ranging from corruption to terrorism, remains defiant: "Even if jailed for life, I won’t bow down," Aleema relayed. Khan also warned against "those playing both sides" in PTI, signaling a purge of dissenters.

Despite the protest call, backchannel negotiations with the government are reportedly underway. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar and adviser Barrister Saif are said to be leading discreet talks, stalled recently due to Pakistan-India tensions. Saif denied "formal" negotiations but confirmed efforts to secure Khan’s release.

The push for dialogue follows PM Shehbaz Sharif’s public invitation for PTI to join a "national dialogue." Khan insists talks be held off-camera for substantive outcomes.