RAWALPINDI: In a significant development on Tuesday, authorities at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail allowed Uzma Khanum, sister of PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan, to meet him after weeks of restricted visitation. Uzma arrived at the high-security facility accompanied by a large number of PTI supporters, who gathered outside the jail demanding transparent access and fair treatment for their incarcerated leader.
The meeting came amid PTI’s growing protests outside both the Islamabad High Court (IHC) and Adiala Jail, where party workers and lawmakers have been condemning what they describe as “unjust and prolonged” restrictions on Imran Khan’s visitation rights. PTI leaders say the former premier, along with his wife Bushra Bibi, had been denied all meetings since **October 27**, a claim also echoed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi.
Section 144 Imposed as Security Tightens
In response to the escalating political tensions, authorities imposed **Section 144** in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, prohibiting public gatherings to maintain law and order. Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry warned that the government would enforce the restrictions “without discrimination,” whether at the IHC or Adiala Jail.
Chaudhry stated the decision followed “sensitive intelligence reports,” linking the restrictions to potential terror threats. He stressed that extremist elements often exploit political gatherings and high-profile sites to “spread fear and make headlines.” The minister also highlighted concerns regarding the use of VPNs and encrypted apps by terrorist networks, noting that the PTA had initiated measures to regulate VPN usage without harming IT businesses.
Political Tensions Rise as PTI Plans More Protests
PTI leaders, including former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser and Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, announced fresh demonstrations, accusing jail authorities of defying IHC orders regarding visitation rights. Just last week, KP Chief Minister Afridi staged a sit-in outside Adiala Jail after being denied a meeting with Imran for the eighth consecutive time. Imran’s sisters have also held multiple sit-ins, with the party alleging police “manhandled and violently detained” them during a November 19 protest.
Security on High Alert in Rawalpindi
Rawalpindi police reported that 3,000 officers have been deployed across the city, with pickets set up on all roads leading to Adiala Jail. Routes into Islamabad’s Red Zone have also been blocked to prevent large-scale gatherings. Police reiterated that any violation of Section 144 would result in firm legal action.
Despite online speculation surrounding Imran Khan’s health, both government officials and PTI leaders have confirmed he remains in stable condition.
As tensions continue to rise, the political standoff between the PTI and the federal government appears far from over, with both sides preparing for a prolonged confrontation over visitation rights, legal battles, and security restrictions.
