TAXILA: Minister of State for Law and Justice Aqeel Malik has claimed that Aleema Khan is attempting to take over the PTI, adding internal discord had intensified over control and decision making in the party.

He was talking to newsmen after visiting Ramazan Nigehban Bazaar in Taxila on Monday.

Responding to a question, the state minister rejected claims by PTI leaders regarding any offer of a political deal from the government. He termed such statements baseless and politically motivated, asserting that no such offer had been made. Malik alleged that the demand for concessions was coming from within the PTI itself.

He claimed that certain party figures had previously indicated a willingness to soften their stance toward state institutions and their leadership.

Criticizing what he described as internal power struggles, the minister said if Aleema Khan wished to oversee party matters, PTI should formally assign her an appropriate position rather than allowing confusion over authority to persist.

He said the government’s position remains unchanged, reiterating that no negotiations or backdoor arrangements had been initiated. He described the opposition’s narrative as an attempt to divert attention from internal challenges.

Responding to a question, he said PTI founder Imran Khan would be allowed to receive medical treatment abroad if he himself wrote to the government for it. He said the PML-N had agreed that there would be no political point scoring over health issues of any political leader.

About upcoming medical treatment of the PTI founder, he said a team of ophthalmologists would visit jail on February 25 to give second dose, adding if they deemed necessary Mr Khan could be shifted to Pims or Shifa Eye Hospital. The third dose would be given a month after. He said the government may consider his shifting to Banigala if he writes an application.

Earlier, Mr Malik visited the Ramazan Nigehban Bazaar established on Faisal Shaheed road to inspect the availability, pricing, quality and supply arrangements of essential food items.

The minister reviewed stalls and interacted with vendors and citizens to assess whether commodities were being provided at officially notified rates. He stated that the government’s primary objective was to extend maximum relief to the common man, ensuring that the impact of inflation was minimised and quality food items remained accessible at affordable prices.

He directed the local administration to ensure continuous monitoring of prices and stock levels, warning that hoarding and profiteering would not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Published in Dawn, February 24th, 2026