ISLAMABAD/RAWALPINDI (MNN); The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Tuesday claimed that the sisters of its incarcerated founder, Imran Khan, were taken into custody by law enforcement agencies while attempting to stage a protest outside Adiala Jail.
The party had announced a “peaceful protest” against restrictions on meetings with Imran Khan, who remains imprisoned at Adiala Jail. PTI has also scheduled another protest in Rawalpindi on April 9 to mark the anniversary of Khan’s ouster through a no-confidence motion in 2022.
However, authorities imposed Section 144 across Rawalpindi district for 15 days, banning public gatherings, protests, and sit-ins. Despite these restrictions and rainy weather, a large number of PTI leaders and workers gathered near the jail.
According to PTI Core Committee member Seemabia Tahir, party leaders along with Imran Khan’s sisters were stopped at DHA Chowk near the prison. She alleged that law enforcement agencies detained Noreen Niazi and Uzma Khan, along with several workers, and cleared nearby premises before making arrests.
PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram condemned the arrests, claiming that protesters faced tear gas shelling and baton charges. He added that multiple PTI leaders were detained at various points, including motorway rest stops, while en route to the protest venue.
Reports from party members indicated that several workers sustained injuries due to tear gas and slippery conditions caused by rain, while dozens were taken into custody. PTI leader Shahyan Bashir criticized the authorities for allegedly preventing meetings with Imran Khan despite court directives.
Meanwhile, some PTI leaders, including Islamabad chapter president Amir Mughal, managed to reach the vicinity of Adiala Jail and reiterated their commitment to continue efforts for Khan’s release.
In a statement, PTI termed the arrests of “peaceful workers” unlawful and accused the government of political victimisation aimed at suppressing dissent. The party also alleged restrictions on meetings between Imran Khan and his family, legal team, and party officials, calling it a violation of fundamental rights and democratic norms.
PTI demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all detained workers, restoration of the right to peaceful protest, and permission for meetings with the former prime minister.
Earlier, the district administration, under Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema, imposed Section 144 from April 6 to April 20, citing intelligence reports about potential threats to law and order and sensitive installations.
The order prohibited gatherings of five or more people, public protests, display of weapons, and use of loudspeakers. Authorities also banned items that could be used for violence, including batons, explosives, and petrol bombs, along with pillion riding.
PTI has been holding regular protests outside Adiala Jail on court-designated visitation days in recent months, highlighting concerns over restrictions placed on meetings with Imran Khan.
Separately, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur (referred in original as Afridi) stated that the April 9 protest would remain peaceful, aimed at drawing attention to what the party calls democratic backsliding, economic challenges, and delays in legal proceedings against Imran Khan.
