ISLAMABAD (MNN) PTI on Wednesday sharply criticised the Punjab government, accusing it of unleashing a “reign of terror” against the party founder’s sisters, leaders, lawyers and activists outside Adiala Jail.
The party termed the incident unacceptable and announced a countrywide Black Day on Friday to demand the restoration of the Constitution, rule of law and what it calls true freedom.
Addressing a press conference alongside Imran Khan’s sisters Aleema Khan, Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi, as well as MWM Chairman Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja harshly condemned the late-night police action.
He said those in authority must abandon their “reckless arrogance” and respect fundamental rights, including the constitutional right of Imran’s sisters to meet their brother.
Raja warned that no society can progress without freedom of expression, an independent judiciary and respect for civil liberties. He said the party would continue to expose what it described as tyranny.
Aleema Khan accused police of manhandling female family members and party workers, alleging that even elderly women were dragged and young girls were beaten.
She said these acts would not silence them and insisted Imran remained in solitary confinement despite peaceful protests.
Noreen Niazi said her 71-year-old mother was also assaulted, claiming the authorities had crossed all limits by demolishing property, beating citizens and confiscating mobile phones. She vowed that every act of oppression would eventually be held accountable.
Uzma Khan noted that the family had only sought permission to check on Imran’s health, stressing that he had spent two weeks in solitary confinement. She said Imran had urged the nation to prepare itself, declaring that the time had come to choose between freedom and death.
MWM’s Allama Nasir Abbas condemned the manhandling of women, calling it a national disgrace. He said the movement for justice was unstoppable and Friday’s Black Day would mark a decisive moment.
KP minister Meena Khan Afridi said justice had become harder to obtain after the 26th Constitutional Amendment but stressed that court orders must still be upheld.
He criticised police for assaulting women in freezing weather and warned that those responsible would face consequences. He added that KP would pursue action while continuing efforts to secure a meeting between Imran and his family.
