Tensions rise as Imran Khan’s sisters and PTI leaders are detained during protests

Imran Khan’s Sisters, PTI Leaders Detained Amid Protests Outside Adiala Jail

April 8, 2025
Reporter: Yasir Hakeem
Posted by: Watts News, The Largest English Digital News Network Pakistan

A tense standoff unfolded outside Adiala Jail on Tuesday 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 around the denial of entry for several prominent PTI figures, including Imran Khan's three sisters, who had arrived to meet him and his wife, Bushra Bibi.

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.”

The protest intensified when police detained numerous workers, including two women, as PTI supporters gathered near the jail gates, chanting slogans and throwing stones after authorities blocked their entry. Among those arrested were Imran Khan’s sisters—Aleema Khan, Uzma Khan, and his cousin Qasim Khan Niazi. PTI leaders such as MNA Shafqat Awan, Barrister Gohar, and several lawyers were also detained despite having prior approval to meet Imran Khan.

The detained women were transported to the Uttara Wedding Hall, where they were made to sit on the lawn, while police officers were present with them. The wedding hall’s main gate was closed, restricting public entry.

Despite multiple offers to release the detainees, the situation remained tense. Aleema Khan, expressing her frustration, claimed that officials from the ruling party were behind the orders to block their access. She said, “Who is behind these orders? Shehbaz Sharif or Maryam Nawaz? It seems everyone is forced to act under pressure.”

After hours of negotiations, six prominent lawyers, including Barrister Gohar and Barrister Ali Zafar, were eventually allowed to meet Imran Khan inside the jail. However, tensions remained high, with further clashes reported throughout the day.

The protest also led to confrontations between police and journalists. Reporters covering the event were reportedly pushed by law enforcement officers, and threats were made against media personnel. One reporter spoke anonymously, saying, “We were simply doing our job, but the police treated us with hostility.”

In the latest developments, some family members, including Uzma Khan and Noreen Khan, were allowed to meet Bushra Bibi and Imran Khan. However, Aleema Khan was still barred from entering, resulting in a standoff at the Gorakhpur checkpoint. The family refused to meet without Aleema, further prolonging the deadlock.

Police also detained three individuals, including two lawyers, near a pharmaceutical company, but they were released after intervention from lawyer Naeem Haider Panjhota.

Prominent political figures, including Opposition Leader Punjab Malik Ahmed Khan and Deputy Opposition Leader Moin Qureshi, were also stopped by police while attempting to meet with PTI leaders, but they were denied entry at the Gorakhpur checkpoint.

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 outside Adiala Jail. Aleema Khan and others speak out against the political blockades.
Tags: Imran Khan, PTI leaders, Adiala Jail, protests, Aleema Khan.