Aleema Khan Highlighted as Key Figure in PTI Leadership and ResistanceNews Story Summary: Aleema Khan, the elder sister of imprisoned former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, has emerged as a central figure in the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party’s ongoing resistance against what supporters describe as military overreach and political suppression. In recent social media discussions, particularly from exiled journalist Adil Raja, Aleema is portrayed as a formidable obstacle to the establishment’s alleged “minus Imran Khan” strategy—a purported plan to dismantle PTI by removing its founder while co-opting or neutralizing other leaders. This narrative draws historical parallels to Fatima Jinnah, the sister of Pakistan’s founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who famously challenged military dictator Ayub Khan in the 1960s, symbolizing civilian defiance against authoritarianism. Raja’s tweets suggest Aleema should assume interim leadership of PTI until Imran’s release, emphasizing her unyielding stance during protests and her role in mobilizing supporters amid crackdowns. Her previous arrests, including during the 2024 Islamabad demonstrations demanding Imran’s freedom and judicial independence, underscore her commitment, with critics accusing the military of targeting her to weaken the family’s influence. As PTI faces internal divisions and external pressures, including proposed constitutional amendments seen as threats to democracy, Aleema’s visibility has grown, inspiring calls for unity among PTI ranks and broader civil society. Advocates argue her leadership could sustain the movement’s momentum, echoing Imran’s resilience from behind bars and fueling a nationwide push for democratic reforms. However, opponents within the establishment view her as a provocateur, potentially escalating tensions in Pakistan’s volatile political landscape. This spotlight on Aleema highlights the enduring role of family ties in Pakistani politics and the persistent struggle against perceived military dominance.