Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi joined a sit-in on Tuesday alongside the sisters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan near Adiala jail in Rawalpindi. The demonstration took place amid strict security arrangements and the enforcement of Section 144 in Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
Imran Khan marked 1,000 days in custody earlier this week, having been imprisoned since August 2023. Despite numerous requests, jail authorities have repeatedly denied permission for his family members and PTI leaders to meet him. The former ruling party has raised serious concerns about the health of Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, both of whom recently underwent eye surgeries. The party has persistently demanded their immediate transfer to a hospital for thorough medical examinations and treatment under the supervision of their doctors and family members.
The sit-in coincided with the scheduled visitation day for the jailed PTI leader at Adiala jail, where authorities had already banned all public gatherings in the twin cities. CM Afridi arrived at the Factory check post on Adiala Road, adhering to official protocol, to join the sit-in staged by Imran Khan’s sisters, including Aleema Khan. Several PTI leaders such as Salman Akram Raja, Shahid Khattak, Naeem Haider Panjutha, and Niazullah Niazi, along with numerous party workers, were also present.
Meanwhile, police sealed off Adiala Road with barriers and deployed heavy contingents at various locations around the jail to maintain order. Aleema Khan posted on social media that Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi remain “illegally imprisoned” and are subjected to “systematic psychological and physical torture through unlawful isolation.” She emphasized the party’s main demand: the immediate transfer of Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital for comprehensive medical tests and proper treatment of his eye condition.
Aleema further stated that CM Afridi, the entire KP Assembly, and PTI lawmakers from both the National Assembly and Senate would participate in the sit-in in solidarity with the former premier. She also urged PTI supporters to avoid visiting Adiala jail to prevent the risk of arrest.
The day before, the Rawalpindi administration imposed Section 144 across the district for 15 days, officially declaring Adiala Jail and surrounding areas as a red zone. This restriction began at midnight on May 12, prohibiting all forms of public assembly in the designated area. Similarly, the Islamabad administration reiterated that Section 144 remains in effect in the federal capital, warning that no public gatherings would be allowed under these restrictions.
The district administration cautioned that any violation of Section 144 would be considered unlawful and could result in strict legal action. Authorities urged residents to refrain from participating in any prohibited activities and to comply fully with the imposed restrictions.
Imran Khan, aged 73, has been in prison since August 2023 following convictions that he and his party describe as politically motivated. Since being removed from office in April 2022 via a no-confidence vote, he has faced several legal cases, including allegations regarding state gifts and an unlawful marriage. While some convictions have been suspended or overturned, multiple appeals are still pending in higher courts. Khan continues to deny all accusations against him.
