ISLAMABAD: In a firm directive underscoring his grip over party affairs, former prime minister Imran Khan has categorically barred PTI leaders from reaching out to the “powers that be,” declaring that any engagement must be held with him directly. The message was conveyed by his sister Aleema Khan during a media interaction outside Adiala Jail, where the PTI founder remains incarcerated. Aleema stressed that Imran Khan does not want any parallel channels or individual bargaining by party leaders. “If there are to be talks, they will be with Imran Khan himself,” she said, making it clear that the former premier aims to centralise all negotiations through his own authority. The statement reinforces Imran Khan’s strategy of refusing indirect negotiations and signals his determination to remain the only decision-maker within PTI, even from behind bars.