A tense standoff unfolded near Adiala Jail on Tuesday, as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers clashed with police demanding access to party founder Imran Khan and his family.
The protest, which escalated into a series of arrests, centered around the denial of entry for several prominent PTI figures, including Khan’s three sisters, who had arrived to meet him and his wife, Bushra Bibi.
According to reports, PTI supporters gathered near the jail gates in large numbers, chanting slogans and throwing stones after authorities blocked their entry.
The police responded swiftly, detaining numerous workers, including two women. Among those arrested were Imran Khan’s sisters—Aleema Khan, Uzma Khan, and his cousin, Qasim Khan Niazi.
The protest intensified as PTI leaders, including MNA Shafqat Awan, Barrister Gohar, and several lawyers, were stopped at checkpoints set up by police, despite having prior approval to meet with Imran Khan.
The detained women were transported in police vans to a private wedding hall, the Uttara Wedding Hall, where they were made to sit on the lawn. Police officers were present with the detained individuals, including Imran Khan’s sisters, Aleema Khan, Uzma Khan, and other party figures like Sahibzada Hamid Raza and Qasim Khan Niazi. The wedding hall’s main gate was closed, with entry restricted to the general public.
Protest and Stalemate at Shahpur Stop
The situation further intensified as police arrived at the Shahpur stop with the detained women. Authorities offered to release all the detainees, including the women, and let them go home. However, PTI founder’s sisters refused to comply with the offer, insisting on a formal arrest.
‘We have been trying to meet Khan for three weeks,’ says Aleema Khan
The police blockade also affected other family members of Imran Khan, including his sisters, who expressed frustration over the continuous denial of access.
Aleema Khan, speaking to reporters, condemned the situation, stating, “We have been trying to meet for three weeks. Today was the scheduled meeting, and yet we are being blocked again. It’s baffling why they are preventing us from seeing our family.”
She went on to criticize the political leadership, alleging that officials from the ruling party were behind the orders to block their access, claiming, “Who is behind these orders? Shehbaz Sharif or Maryam Nawaz? It seems everyone is forced to act under pressure.”
Lawyers gain access
After hours of protests and negotiations, six prominent lawyers, including Barrister Gohar, Barrister Ali Zafar, and female leader Razia Sultana, were eventually allowed to meet Imran Khan inside the jail.
However, the situation remained tense as multiple reports of further clashes emerged throughout the day.
Police detentions and clashes with journalists
The protests also led to a confrontation between the police and journalists covering the events. Reporters from private TV channels, including Shabbir Dar and Sajjad Chaudhry, were reportedly pushed by law enforcement officers. Sub-Inspector Tayyab Raja and plainclothes personnel were accused of using inappropriate language and making threats against the media crew on site.
“We were simply doing our job, but the police treated us with hostility. It’s concerning that journalists are being threatened while trying to cover a peaceful protest,” said one reporter, speaking on the condition of anonymity.
Further developments and stalemate
Amidst growing tensions, the police allowed some family members to meet Bushra Bibi and Imran Khan, including Uzma Khan and Noreen Khan, while Aleema Khan was still barred from entering.
The family refused to meet without Aleema, resulting in a stalemate at the Gorakhpur checkpoint.
Police later detained three individuals, including two lawyers, near a private pharmaceutical company. After intervention from lawyer Naeem Haider Panjhota, the detainees were released.
Prominent political figures, including Opposition Leader Punjab Malik Ahmed Khan and Deputy Opposition Leader Moin Qureshi, were also stopped by police while attempting to access the jail to meet with PTI leaders. Despite efforts to meet with Imran Khan’s family, they were denied entry at the Gorakhpur checkpoint.
