Imran Khan’s Two Sisters Released After Assurances Not to Target Army Leadership: Ansar Abbasi
Islamabad: The release of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s two sisters, Dr Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi, from jail reportedly followed assurances that they would refrain from targeting the military leadership and establishment, journalist Ansar Abbasi has claimed in a report.
According to the report, the release of Imran Khan’s sisters from Kot Lakhpat Jail on Thursday marked the first tangible outcome of recently initiated backchannel contacts between the PTI and government authorities aimed at reducing political tensions.
Sources familiar with the discussions claimed that the two sisters had assured relevant intermediaries that they would remain non-controversial and refrain from political activities, public statements or interventions that could fuel the ongoing confrontation. They also reportedly assured authorities that they would avoid criticism or statements targeting the military’s top command and the establishment.
The report said the development came after Imran Khan adopted a relatively softer and more conciliatory approach during his latest meeting in jail a day earlier.
In contrast to his previous hardline position, the PTI founder reportedly avoided an aggressive tone and appeared more willing to explore a possible way forward. During the meeting, he was said to be more concerned about the situation of his wife, Bushra Bibi, and his sisters in custody than about his own circumstances.
According to the report, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and certain government intermediaries based in Lahore played key roles in facilitating the reconciliation process.
For the first time, members of Imran Khan’s family reportedly became directly involved in backchannel contacts aimed at reducing political bitterness.
Following the assurances, Dr Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi were released on Thursday. However, Imran Khan’s third sister, Aleema Khan, remains in custody.
Political and government sources believe that the direct involvement of family members, the assurances given by the two sisters and Imran Khan’s relatively softer approach have raised hopes for further positive developments.
The report described the development as an important step towards practical de-escalation, marking a possible departure from the prolonged policy of confrontation between the PTI and the authorities.
Although no formal agreement between the PTI and government authorities has been publicly announced, Thursday’s release has provided the first clear indication that backchannel contacts may be producing results.
The immediate challenge, according to the report, is to sustain the understanding and ensure compliance with the assurances so that provocative political statements or confrontational rhetoric do not undermine the progress made so far.
