ISLAMABAD: Aleema Khan, sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, has objected to discussions regarding the approval of the upcoming Khyber Pakhtunkhwa budget, insisting that party leaders should first arrange a meeting with the former prime minister before proceeding with such important decisions.

According to reports, Aleema Khan made the remarks while addressing PTI leaders and supporters, where the issue of the provincial budget came under discussion.

Aleema Khan Challenges Budget Approval Plans

During the conversation, when a reference was made to passing the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa budget, Aleema Khan reportedly interrupted and questioned the rationale behind moving forward without consulting Imran Khan.

She asked party leaders why they were proceeding with the budget process and urged them to prioritize securing access to the PTI founder before taking major political and financial decisions.

“Why are you passing the budget?” she reportedly asked, adding that party representatives should first ensure a meeting with Imran Khan.

Demand for Consultation with PTI Founder

Aleema Khan maintained that important policy matters, including the provincial budget, should be discussed with the PTI founder beforehand.

She recalled that Imran Khan had expressed a similar position during the previous budget cycle, when he reportedly asked party leaders to discuss budgetary matters with him before finalizing decisions.

According to her, party officials should once again seek a meeting with Imran Khan before the budget is presented or approved.

She emphasized that consultation with the party founder remains important for major strategic decisions affecting PTI’s governance and political direction.

Concerns Over Access to Imran Khan

Aleema Khan also criticized restrictions surrounding access to Imran Khan, claiming that he has been isolated from party affairs.

She argued that preventing regular interaction with the PTI founder is both inappropriate and detrimental to the party’s internal decision-making process.

According to her remarks, party leaders should make greater efforts to facilitate communication and consultation with Imran Khan on important matters, particularly those involving governance and public policy.

Political Context

The comments come at a time when preparations for the upcoming budget are underway in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where PTI remains the governing party.

Provincial governments across Pakistan are currently finalizing budget proposals for the next fiscal year, making budget approval a major political and administrative priority.

Within PTI, discussions regarding consultation with the party founder continue to be a significant issue, particularly on matters involving political strategy, legislative decisions, and governance.

Ongoing Internal Debate

Aleema Khan’s remarks reflect broader debates within PTI regarding decision-making authority and the role of the party’s imprisoned founder in guiding policy and political direction.

Supporters of greater consultation argue that major decisions should be aligned with Imran Khan’s views, while party leaders continue to navigate practical and legal challenges associated with maintaining communication.

The issue is likely to remain part of internal discussions as PTI prepares for upcoming political and legislative developments, including the presentation and approval of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa budget.

For now, Aleema Khan has made it clear that, in her view, consultation with Imran Khan should precede any final decision regarding the provincial budget, underscoring the continuing influence of the PTI founder on party affairs despite his current circumstances.