Imran Khan’s sisters spent another day outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi as their sit-in protest hardened into a direct challenge to the government’s decision to block family meetings. They accused authorities of ignoring court orders and using security restrictions to keep the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder in prolonged isolation.
Heavy police deployment, razor-wire barricades and newly installed anti-riot gates blocked every road leading to the jail’s Factory and Gorakhpur checkpoints. Yet the sisters – Aleema Khanum, Uzma Khanum and Noreen Niazi – remained in place, surrounded by PTI workers who chanted slogans as locals distributed water and food.
“We are not afraid. Even if they attack us, we will stay here until we are allowed to meet our brother,” Aleema Khan said, raising her voice above the noise of the crowd.
Restrictions escalate tensions
Authorities lined the routes to Adiala Jail with barriers and stationed officers in full riot gear. PTI supporters attempted to move closer to the jail gate, but police pushed them back repeatedly. Despite the standoff, Aleema Khan continued to instruct workers to stay calm.
She told supporters, “The police are our brothers. They are not our enemy. They are stressed because of these orders. I am only pushing workers back because women are present here.” She added that the family had sought a meeting for a month and had complied with every requirement.
Government ministers and officials from Inter-Services Public Relations previously stated that political messaging during meetings had prompted the restrictions. They also reiterated that the jail superintendent could suspend visits if he suspected a threat to public order.
The government recently warned that any unrest outside Adiala Jail could result in Imran Khan’s transfer to another facility, a threat PTI leaders believe aims to pressure the family into silence.
PTI rejects official medical reports
PTI’s Secretary-General Salman Akram Raja joined the protest and criticised the government for refusing access to Khan’s personal physician. He said the party did not recognise state medical reports unless private doctors examined the former prime minister.
“This is a period of lawlessness. Even court decisions are not being implemented,” he told reporters at the checkpoint. “Until his own doctor examines him, we will not accept any medical report.”
Raja added that the protest strategy would remain constitutional and peaceful. He noted that Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Nasir Abbas would decide the broader direction of the movement.
Warnings of political escalation
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan attempted to reach the jail earlier in the day but police stopped him en route. Speaking to supporters, he said access to Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi was essential to reduce political friction.
“These meetings can improve the situation,” he said. “This country cannot afford further escalation. Politics does not function on hostility.”
Gohar criticised unnamed figures whom he accused of attempting to provoke confrontation between “a major institution and political forces.” He argued that allowing family meetings under judicial orders would ease tensions, not inflame them.
Aleema Khan highlighted the contrast by recalling that former prime minister Nawaz Sharif once had permission to keep his doctor with him in Adiala Jail. “Everyone knows he had access. Why can Imran Khan not receive the same?” she asked.
As darkness fell, the sit-in continued, with the sisters insisting they would not leave without meeting their brother. Despite Section 144 restrictions and warnings of possible jail transfers, the protesters maintained their position at the barricades.
