Prison authorities at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail firmly rejected speculation that PTI founder Imran Khan may be moved to another province, calling the claims “mere speculation.” Officials insisted that no proposal is under consideration and maintained that Imran Khan’s security, medical care, and diet remain fully ensured. Their clarification followed a surge of social media chatter alleging government plans to relocate the former prime minister due to persistent unrest outside the prison.
Political Stakes and Conflicting Signals
PTI dismissed the rumours, asserting that supporters and Imran Khan’s sisters—Aleema Khan, Uzma Khanum and Noreen Niazi—would gather with the same resolve anywhere he is taken. The party argued that state attempts to isolate its founder would fail. Their reaction contrasted sharply with remarks from a senior government official who earlier suggested that authorities were evaluating a transfer because continuous protests were disturbing nearby residents.
Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Information Ikhtiyar Wali intensified criticism, accusing PTI of pursuing a destabilising agenda and claiming that the demonstrations forced the government to reassess the security situation. He also alleged that PTI leaders themselves wanted Imran Khan shifted due to complications caused by the protest environment.
Escalation Outside Adiala Jail
Tensions surged when jail authorities denied PTI lawyers a meeting with Imran Khan on Tuesday. PTI leaders and Imran Khan’s sisters launched a sit-in near a police checkpoint, which continued until 2:30 am. Police used a water cannon to disperse the crowd and impounded several vehicles—many reportedly belonging to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government departments. PTI condemned the action as “inhumane,” especially given the cold conditions.
A PTI video showed Aleema Khan urging supporters to remain calm amid the water spray. After the demonstration ended, Imran Khan’s sisters vowed to return next Tuesday.
With government officials hinting at administrative measures and Adiala Jail denying transfer plans, the political environment surrounding Imran Khan appears set for a volatile week ahead.
