Sisters of Pakistan’s ex-PM Khan stage sit-in outside Rawalpindi jail after visit denied

Sisters of Pakistan’s jailed former prime minister Imran Khan staged a sit-in outside Adiala Jail on Tuesday after police blocked them from entering the high-security facility, the latest confrontation over restricted family access despite a court order permitting visits.

Aleema Khan, Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi arrived at the first security cordon leading to the prison, but officers refused to let them pass amid a heavy deployment. Supporters of Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party gathered at the Gorakhpur checkpoint, chanting as police erected anti-riot barriers to halt their movement toward the jail.

The sisters then sat on the roadside in protest, saying they would continue their sit-in until authorities allowed a meeting with the former premier, who has been in confinement since August 2023.

Speaking to reporters, Aleema Khan said the family had been seeking access for more than a month. She accused the government of subjecting the former leader to “mental torture” by isolating him and denying routine visits. She urged PTI workers to remain peaceful, saying the police had treated them respectfully and were themselves under pressure.

She rejected claims that a previous meeting between her sister and Imran involved political discussions, saying criticism of government officials did not constitute a national security issue. “If he is a national security threat, then give one example,” she said. “Which orders are being followed to keep him in solitary confinement?”

Last week, authorities allowed Uzma Khan a brief meeting with her brother, after which she said he appeared “perfectly fine” but was being subjected to mental pressure. The federal government later suspended all visits, accusing attendees of violating prison rules.

The PTI says jail authorities have repeatedly blocked access despite a court directive allowing visits on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Last week, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi was barred for the ninth time; he told reporters he would soon decide whether to launch his own sit-in over the continued restrictions.

Police and PTI supporters remained in a tense standoff outside Adiala Jail on Tuesday evening. Authorities have yet to comment on whether access will be granted.