Imran Khan’ Sister Files Contempt Plea Over Blocked Jail Meetings

November 28, 2025: In a major escalation of the legal and political tussle surrounding the imprisonment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, his sister, Aleema Khan, has taken the matter to the Islamabad High Court (IHC) by filing a contempt of court petition. The move comes after she and other family members and political allies were repeatedly denied access to meet Khan in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, despite a clear court order.

Denied Access Fuels Health Concerns

The central issue is the alleged failure of the jail and government authorities to comply with an IHC order, which had previously reinstated a twice-a-week meeting schedule for the jailed former premier. According to the court-approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Tuesdays were designated for family and lawyer visits, and Thursdays for friends.

However, Khan’s family, including his three sisters, claim they have been denied meetings for six weeks. This lack of contact, combined with an “absolute blackout” on verifiable information, has fueled intense speculation and rumours about Khan’s health and safety on social media, prompting the hashtag #WhereIsImranKhan to trend.

Contempt of Court Filed

In her petition, Aleema Khan named several officials, including the Adiala Jail Superintendent and the Federal Interior and Punjab Home Secretaries, as respondents. She argued that the continued refusal to allow visits is a “wilful non-implementation” of the court’s earlier orders and shows a disregard for the judicial system. The plea expresses deep concern for her brother’s “well-being, legal rights, and humane treatment.”

The escalation highlights the growing frustration among Khan’s political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The filing of the petition followed an overnight sit-in protest outside the jail by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and other PTI members, who were also denied a scheduled meeting with Khan for the eighth time.

Jail and Government Response

Adiala Jail authorities have consistently dismissed the health rumours, asserting that the former Prime Minister is “completely in good health” and is receiving all necessary medical care. Officials, including a minister, have maintained that he is being provided with better facilities than many other prisoners.

Despite these assurances, the family and PTI insist that the simplest way to put an end to the speculation is to allow transparent and regular access to the former prime minister, as directed by the court.

The situation has created a tense stand-off, with PTI leaders vowing to take political steps to ensure compliance with the court’s visitation directives, including attempting to disrupt legislative sessions. Aleema Khan has also issued a stark public warning to jail officials, stating they would be held accountable if any harm were to befall her brother.

The Islamabad High Court is now expected to hear the contempt petition, which will be a crucial next step in determining the rights of the incarcerated former leader and the accountability of the prison administration.