ISLAMABAD – Tensions escalated outside Adiala Jail as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders and family members of jailed Prime Minister Imran Khan were arrested. But all members were released as authorities deployed police to curb any unwanted situation.
PTI supporters gathered near the jail premises and resorted to stone-pelting when several senior party figures and Imran Khan’s family members were barred from entry. The police responded swiftly, detaining multiple individuals, including Imran Khan’s three sisters, prominent PTI leader Aliya Hamza, and Member of National Assembly Shafqat Awan.
Despite the crackdown, Sahibzada Hamid Raza offered himself up for voluntary arrest in a symbolic show of defiance. However, the detained women were later released after being taken a short distance away from the protest site.
Bushra Bibi, wife of Imran Khan, was scheduled to meet him in jail today. She was accompanied by family members Mehrunnisa and Mubashara Sheikh, who were granted access to the facility following clearance from jail authorities.
Several other senior PTI figures and legal representatives also arrived at the jail to meet the former premier. The delegation included Barrister Ali Zafar, Aliya Hamza, Nadia Khattak, Dr. Ali Imran, lawyer Zafar Abbas, lawyer Hasnain Sanbal, lawyer Raja Mateen, PTI worker Razia Sultana, and Imran Khan’s focal person Niazullah Niazi.
The situation outside the jail remains tense, with heavy police deployment to maintain order. PTI leadership has condemned the arrests and vowed to continue peaceful protests until full visitation rights are restored for party members and Khan’s family
The arrests took place when PTI leaders gathered outside the jail to meet the incarcerated leader.
The gathering at Adiala Jail was part of a planned visit by PTI leaders and Imran Khan’s family to show solidarity with the imprisoned former Prime Minister. PTI leaders were held due to the gathering being deemed unauthorized in a high-security area.
The arrest of these prominent leaders has drawn widespread criticism from PTI supporters, who claim that the move is an attempt to suppress their right to free movement and peaceful assembly. The arrests have also led to increased calls for Imran Khan’s immediate release from his imprisonment.