RAWALPINDI: Uzma Khan, the sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, received approval on Tuesday to visit the former prime minister currently held in Adiala jail, during a period of heightened security due to the party’s planned protest activities. Authorities informed Uzma that she would be allowed to meet her brother within the jail premises.
Following this authorization, Uzma departed from Factory Naka and proceeded to Adiala Jail. Expressing her relief, she stated her happiness at finally receiving permission and mentioned that she would address the media after the visit.
Security measures around Adiala Jail have been significantly intensified. A special plan has added five extra checkpoints along Adiala Jail Road, with deployments including personnel from 12 police stations, female officers, and more than 700 security officials equipped with anti-riot gear. Vehicles moving in the vicinity underwent strict inspections in coordination between multiple law enforcement agencies to ensure public order.
While speaking to reporters at Factory Naka, Imran Khan’s other sister, Aleema Khan, alleged that the PTI founder had been kept in solitary confinement for the past month. She criticized the extensive security arrangements, suggesting they were excessive for a family visit. Aleema accused the police of deliberate acts such as leaving dirty water on roads and argued that the government seemed unnecessarily anxious over their meeting with her brother.
Aleema emphasized that meeting Imran was a legitimate and constitutional right for family members. She vowed the family’s willingness to wait as long as necessary to ensure the visitation took place. Additionally, she accused Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz of imposing undemocratic restrictions and criticized the government for lies and unnecessary obstructions, insisting that allowing routine family access could prevent complications.
In response to consistent denials of access to Imran Khan by authorities, PTI had earlier announced its intention to hold protests outside the Islamabad High Court and Adiala jail. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi faced similar hurdles in meeting Imran Khan, being denied visitation for the eighth time since assuming office. On November 27, Afridi staged a 16-hour sit-in on Adiala Road following yet another refusal.
Imran Khan has been incarcerated in Adiala jail since August 2023, following his removal from office in April 2022 via a no-confidence vote brought by the opposition.
