Islamabad(The COW News Digital)Police dispersed a protest near Adiala Jail late on Tuesday night, using water cannons to break up demonstrators, as supporters of former Prime Minister and PTI founder Imran Khan gathered to demand a meeting with his sisters. The protest, which took place near the Factory Checkpoint close to the jail, escalated after authorities blocked the leaders from entering the premises.
According to sources, the protestors threw stones at police during the confrontation, prompting law enforcement to detain several PTI workers. Senator Mushtaq also arrived at the scene to show solidarity with Khan’s sisters and was caught in the water cannon spray. Despite the tense situation, PTI leaders tried to maintain calm among supporters, emphasizing non-violence.
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Alima Khan, one of Imran Khan’s sisters, was present during the protest and repeatedly urged the workers to stay peaceful. She stated that the party has no conflict with the police, describing them as “our brothers” and expressing concern for both her safety and the security personnel’s well-being. Alima Khan also highlighted that the protest was in response to the authorities denying access for a family visit, which had been repeatedly requested over the past month.
The protest was organized after PTI chairman Barrister Gohar and other party members were also refused permission to meet Imran Khan. Police maintained a strict blockade at the Factory Checkpoint, preventing any unauthorized entry. Negotiations between Alima Khan and police officials reportedly took place but failed to resolve the standoff.
During the demonstration, police returned five vehicles that had been previously detained, but the protest leaders insisted that all vehicles be released before ending the sit-in. Sources confirmed that 14 government and private vehicles belonging to PTI workers from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were taken into police custody and shifted to local stations.
Federal Minister for Information, Atta Tarar, stated that meeting Imran Khan is legally impossible, emphasizing that the denial of access is based on law and not individual decisions. He clarified that no visitor, regardless of status, is permitted to meet the former prime minister without proper authorization.
The incident reflects the growing tensions between PTI supporters and law enforcement over access restrictions to political leaders in custody. While the protest ended without major injuries, it highlights the challenges of balancing security measures with the demands of political parties and their supporters in Pakistan.
