Jailed former prime minister Imran Khan has warned of taking his cases to the “international level” after what they described as no legal benefit from the local courts.

“Imran Khan has stated that there are no remaining options for his party and it will take its legal cases to the international level,” Aleem, his sister, quoted him saying after a meeting in Adiala Jail on Friday.

The PTI founder has been behind bars for more than one year. Khan was arrested in a graft case in May 2023. Later, he was named in several cases related to corruption, May 9, and unrest. But he has denied all charges.

In July 2024, there were high chances of his release when a court acquitted him and his wife Bushra Bibi in the unlawful marriage case. But hopes were dashed as the national graft buster arrested them in a state gifts reference hours after the court decision.

Last year, a UN panel of experts found Khan’s detention “had no legal basis and appears to have been intended to disqualify him from running for political office”.

“Thus, from the outset, that prosecution was not grounded in law and was reportedly instrumentalised for a political purpose,” it said, calling for his immediate release after nearly a year in jail.

Aleema, who has been seen at party gatherings, relayed that Khan expressed frustration over the “lack of attention” to their appeals in the Islamabad High Court and the Supreme Court.

She claimed that they were prevented from entering the jail on Friday, stating that they had to walk to the inner gate. Aleema said that previously, the entire family had access, but that access has been restricted. “This is torture; even the personal physician is not allowed to meet him. When Imran Khan asks for things, they create difficulties.”

Khan’s sister reiterated that the PTI founder had sought legal recourse in both the IHC and the SC, but to “no avail.” With “no-options” left domestically, she said: “We will reach out to all international institutions.”

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Aleema alleged that her brother smiled while watching Adviser to the PM on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah’s press conference and found it quite “amusing.” She added that the PTI was committed to conveying Khan’s full message to the nation. “This is a significant responsibility, and we will fulfil it. Nothing can stop us now.”

Aleema claimed that two months ago, the party received a warning about the possibility of AI-generated videos being made against them. Khan reportedly responded, “You are alone,” to which she replied that they have the support of all of Pakistan, social media, and their fellow countrymen. “God will protect us,” she added.

She clarified that she was not involved in politics, stating, “I want to make it clear again that we are not in politics. We are here until the release of the founder of PTI, InshaAllah. Imran Khan holds no official position; he is running his party from jail. He is the voice of the people of Pakistan.”