Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has strongly criticised authorities for using water cannons to disperse a peaceful sit-in outside Adiala Jail early Wednesday. The demonstration was led by the sisters of PTI founder Imran Khan, who were once again denied a court-approved meeting with the former prime minister. The party posted videos on X showing people fleeing as freezing water jets were fired at them, calling the action a violation of basic human rights and the constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
Sit-In Begins After Repeated Denial of Meetings
According to PTI, Imran Khan’s sisters — Aleema, Uzma and Noreen — began the sit-in on Tuesday after another unsuccessful attempt to meet their brother. Senior leaders, including PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja and KP President Junaid Akbar Khan, also joined the protest. Police initially contacted the family twice, instructing them to leave, before deploying a heavy contingent at the site.
Despite a court order permitting visits on Tuesdays and Thursdays, PTI claims their requests have been repeatedly blocked. Only last week, Uzma Khan was allowed to meet Imran, later reporting that he was “perfectly fine.” In video statements recorded on her way to the jail, Aleema accused the state of breaking the law and condemned restrictions that prevent Imran from seeing his personal physician for 14 months.
As Aleema walked toward Adiala Jail with dozens of supporters, she was stopped at a police barricade near Gorakhpur Market. Sitting on the road, she delivered another message, calling the restrictions “unconstitutional and illegal.” She vowed to stay put, saying authorities were “violating the Constitution” and must be held accountable.
PTI Leaders Warn of Rising Public Anger
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, speaking near the prison, urged authorities to allow the meeting, saying it would “improve the situation.” He insisted the party had a legal right to be present, backed by a formal consent order. Raja, Akbar and several other PTI lawmakers condemned the ongoing restrictions, claiming they reflected a widening gap between the state and the public. Akbar warned officials to “think wisely” as frustration grows among supporters.
Additional lawmakers — including Shahid Khattak, Shafiullah Jan and others — expressed solidarity with the sit-in and criticised the government for blocking family access. Many argued that the crackdown, paired with last week’s ban on Uzma’s visits and the harsh statements by DG ISPR, has deepened public resentment.
Federal ministers, meanwhile, have defended the restrictions. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar accused Imran’s visitors of violating prison rules by sharing political messages. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar warned that “the gloves are off,” vowing strict action and legal charges against anyone causing a disturbance outside Adiala Jail.
Despite the cold, the pressure and the force used against them, PTI supporters say they are prepared for a prolonged sit-in until Imran Khan’s family is allowed to meet him.
