PTI leaders, Imran Khan’s sisters detained near Adiala jail

ISLAMABAD: A Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf protest planned outside Adiala jail on Tuesday was disrupted after law enforcement personnel detained several party leaders and workers, including the sisters of former prime minister Imran Khan, amid broad restrictions imposed in Rawalpindi.

The party had announced what it described as a peaceful protest against restrictions on meetings with its founder. However, the district administration had enforced Section 144 across Rawalpindi for 15 days, prohibiting public gatherings.

Despite the restrictions and rain in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, a considerable number of PTI leaders and supporters tried to move towards the jail. They were stopped at different locations by law enforcement authorities before reaching the prison.

PTI Core Committee member Seemabia Tahir said the group, which included Imran Khan’s sisters, was intercepted near DHA Chowk. She said law enforcement personnel had already cleared a nearby hotel before making arrests. "Law enforcement agencies had already vacated a hotel in the vicinity; they arrested Noreen Niazi and Uzma Khan, along with several workers, and shut down the shutters of the hotel after detaining them," she added.

According to Tahir, Noreen Niazi and Uzma Khan were among those taken into custody along with a number of party workers.

PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram criticised the operation, saying party leaders and workers were detained and force was used against them. He said protesters were subjected to heavy shelling and baton charge, while roads leading to Adiala jail had been blocked.

Akram also said party members travelling from different areas were stopped at motorway rest points, including Kallar Kahar and Chakri, where further arrests were made.

He added that at least five members of the Punjab Assembly were taken into custody, including Opposition Leader Moeen Qureshi.

Restrictions in Rawalpindi

The detentions took place as authorities maintained strict controls in Rawalpindi under Section 144. The measure, imposed for 15 days, barred public assemblies in the district and effectively prevented the PTI gathering from proceeding as planned.

The party had sought to stage the protest outside Adiala jail over limitations on meetings with Imran Khan, who remains incarcerated. But with routes sealed and police action reported at multiple points, the protest was cut short before demonstrators could assemble near the jail.

The developments unfolded in wet weather conditions in the twin cities, yet PTI supporters and leaders still attempted to reach the site. The operation resulted in the detention of senior party figures, workers and members of Imran Khan’s family, according to PTI leaders.