A tense day unfolded outside Adiala Jail as police initially detained several PTI workers, three of Imran Khan’s sisters, and senior party leaders before releasing them following a dramatic protest and sit-in at the Gorakhpur checkpoint.
The confrontation arose after jail authorities denied meetings to some members of Imran Khan’s legal and family teams despite prior scheduling.
According to reports today marked the scheduled weekly visit for PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi. Family members, including Mehr-un-Nisa and Mubashara Sheikh, were allowed to meet Bushra Bibi in the jail's conference room. However, outside, scenes of confrontation played out.
Sit-in, detentions
The clash began when PTI leaders and family members, including Aleema Khan, Uzma Khan, and Qasim Khan Niazi, were stopped near a private pharmaceutical company. PTI workers staged a protest at the Gorakhpur checkpoint after police denied entry to the family. Protesters pelted stones, and law enforcement detained several individuals, including three of Imran Khan’s sisters, Alia Hamza, MNA Shafqat Awan, and workers.
Also taken into custody were legal representatives and party leaders, such as Sahibzada Hamid Raza, who offered voluntary arrest. The police initially transported the detained women to a private venue—Uttara Wedding Hall—where they were made to sit on the lawn under police supervision. The main gate was closed, and entry of common citizens was barred.
Later, they were moved to a police van parked at a petrol pump, where SP Sadar Division Nabeel Khokhar arrived to oversee the situation. The police offered to let them go home, but the sisters refused, demanding a formal arrest instead.
Eventually, all the women were released after being taken some distance away from the jail.
Lawyers and senior PTI leaders, including Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Salman Akram Raja, and Zaheer Abbas Chaudhry, were stopped at a police checkpoint and denied access to the jail, despite having submitted names in advance for the meeting. "We don’t understand why we’re being stopped today when our meeting was scheduled," said Raja.
Only six individuals, including Barrister Gohar, Barrister Ali Zafar, Mubashir Maqsood Awan, Zaheer Abbas Chaudhry, lawyer Dr. Ali Imran, and female leader Razia Sultana, were later allowed to meet Imran Khan.
Aleema Khan speaks out
Speaking to media at the checkpoint, Aleema Khan expressed frustration over being repeatedly denied the right to meet her brother. “We’ve been coming for three weeks now. Today was the official meeting day. Why are they afraid of family members?” she asked, visibly emotional.
She further claimed that the judiciary and police were under pressure. “When we free our judges, we will get justice. When we free the police, they’ll protect us. Right now, even officers say they are forced—who is giving these orders? Shehbaz or Maryam?” she questioned.
Despite being told that Uzma Khan, Noreen Khan, and Qasim Khan Niazi could meet Imran Khan, the family declined the offer, insisting that Aleema Khan be allowed to accompany them.
Meanwhile, police raided the area near media DSNGs parked outside the jail, detaining four workers including two women. Near the pharmaceutical company, three individuals, including two lawyers, were also picked up. After negotiations with PTI lawyer Naeem Haider Panjhuta, they were released.
