Rawalpindi: A tense standoff unfolded near Adiala Jail, as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers clashed with police demanding access to party founder Imran Khan and his family.

The protest, which escalated into a series of arrests, centered on the denial of entry for several prominent PTI figures, including Khan’s three sisters, who had arrived to meet him and his wife, Bushra Bibi. According to reports, PTI supporters gathered near the jail gates in large numbers, chanting slogans and throwing stones after authorities blocked their entry. The police responded swiftly, detaining numerous workers, including two women. Among those arrested were Imran Khan’s sisters-Aleema Khan, Uzma Khan, and his cousin, Qasim Khan Niazi.

The protest intensified as PTI leaders, including MNA Shafqat Awan, Barrister Gohar, and several lawyers, were stopped at checkpoints set up by police, despite having prior approval to meet with Imran Khan. Salman Akram Raja, a senior lawyer representing PTI, expressed his frustration, stating, “Our meeting was scheduled, names were sent in advance, yet we were stopped with no valid explanation.” Family members of the PTI leader, including Mehrunisa and Mubashara Sheikh, arrived at the jail earlier that day after receiving permission from jail authorities. However, their access to the jail was limited, with police preventing them from meeting Imran Khan’s wife and the former Prime Minister. The police blockade also affected other family members of Imran Khan, including his sisters, who expressed frustration over the continuous denial of access.

Aleema Khan, speaking to reporters, condemned the situation, stating, “We have been trying to meet for three weeks. Today was the scheduled meeting, and yet we are being blocked again. It’s baffling why they are preventing us from seeing our family.”

She went on to criticize the political leadership, alleging that officials from the ruling party were behind the orders to block their access, claiming, “Who is behind these orders? Shehbaz Sharif or Maryam Nawaz? It seems everyone is forced to act under pressure.” After hours of protests and negotiations, six prominent lawyers, including Barrister Gohar, Barrister Ali Zafar, and female leader Razia Sultana, were eventually allowed to meet Imran Khan inside the jail.