PTI strongly condemns arrests, brutality outside Adiala Jail

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) vehemently condemned the arbitrary arrests of Imran Khan’s sisters, Opposition Leader in the Punjab Assembly Moeen Riaz Qureshi, and other party leaders and workers, as well as the reign of terror unleashed by the Punjab Police against peacefully gathered workers outside Adiala Jail on Tuesday, who were seeking to meet the unlawfully incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan in accordance with the court’s order.

In a statement issued by Central Media Department, PTI Central Information Secretary Shiekh Waqas Akram said its leaders and workers had gathered peacefully to exercise their legal, constitutional, and democratic right to protest.

However, he said that law enforcement authorities resorted to force and excessive use of tear gas to disperse the gathering, detaining party workers and leaders, including Imran Khan’s sisters and the Opposition Leader in the Punjab Assembly, which is condemnable and intolerable.

PTI CIS stated that the current administration has adopted coercive tactics aimed at silencing dissent and intimidating political workers. He further said that, since the removal of the Imran Khan-led government, the country has faced economic strain, political instability, and democratic backsliding.

PTI CIS also criticized the restrictions on meetings between Imran Khan and his family members, legal counsel, and party office-bearers, describing the measures as a blatant violation of fundamental rights, judicial transparency, and democratic norms. He stated that its workers and leadership, including Imran Khan’s sisters, arrived for the court-permitted scheduled weekly meeting but were left waiting in a heavy downpour.

Instead of allowing the meeting as ordered by the court, the police used force to disperse the peaceful workers and leadership—a shameful and intolerable act.

Waqas demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all detained workers and leaders, including party founder Imran Khan. He emphasized that the constitution guarantees every citizen the right to lawful and peaceful protest and called for unrestricted permission for meetings between Imran Khan, his family, legal team, and party representatives. PTI CIS also urged an end to what it described as a policy of political coercion and intimidation.

Separately, PTI CIS sharply criticized the government over what it termed a worsening economic situation, warning that flawed fuel pricing policies are placing an unbearable burden on the public and key sectors of the economy.

Waqas said the existing pricing formula could drive diesel prices to unsustainable levels if corrective steps are not taken. He argued that government publicity around austerity cannot conceal what it described as serious policy failures and a lack of regulatory competence, particularly within the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA).

PTI CIS noted that Pakistan produces the majority of its diesel domestically and imports only a portion to meet demand. However, he questioned why diesel prices are calculated on the basis of imported fuel rates, calling the approach illogical and costly for consumers. Waqas stated that this pricing method results in citizens paying significantly more for locally refined diesel than its actual production cost.

PTI CIS stated that economic experts have painted a troubling picture of the country’s outlook, warning that sluggish growth, rising inflation, and mounting external pressures could push up to 1.5 million additional people into poverty under a worst-case scenario if meaningful fiscal corrections are not made in the upcoming federal budget.

He proposed a temporary corrective mechanism for fuel pricing, suggesting that diesel rates be linked to the cost of Arab Light crude plus refining margins, while allowing only Pakistan State Oil (PSO) to manage imports.

PTI CIS also called for deregulation of petroleum prices by the end of May, coupled with a targeted support mechanism when imports are required. The party maintained that practical and timely steps could significantly ease the burden on citizens if implemented with competence and seriousness.

Reaffirming its broader stance, he said it remained committed to safeguarding public rights, justice, and democratic values, and urged citizens to raise their voice in defense of peaceful and lawful protest.