PTI leaders, Imran Khan’s sisters denied meeting at Adiala jail again

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders were again not allowed to meet incarcerated party founder Imran Khan at Adiala jail on Tuesday, while his sisters urged supporters and lawmakers to gather outside the prison to increase pressure on the authorities.

According to the details shared at the site, all three sisters of the former prime minister reached Adiala jail as part of the usual Tuesday schedule for meetings, but law enforcement personnel told them they could not go ahead.

PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, former Public Accounts Committee chairman Junaid Akbar, who also serves as PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa president, and other party leaders were present outside the jail.

Speaking to reporters outside Adiala jail, Aleema Khan said she hoped a large number of people would soon assemble there to put pressure on the government, though she appeared disappointed over the closing time for the meeting. She also said it was unfortunate that the courts were not providing justice.

Noreen Khan told the media, "They believe they are not answerable to anyone. Imran Khan is the identity of Pakistan and he will stay in the country. However, they will not stay in Pakistan."

Uzma Khan said additional pressure was required to secure access to Imran Khan. She said, "Khan sahib had said that parliamentarians should come out and reach Adiala jail. It will make news if they are arrested. Imran Khan is in solitary confinement. Leaders are underground; I urge them to come out of their houses."

Raja, also speaking outside the prison, said there was no single leader in the PTI and added that all of them were workers who came to the jail. He also said he had no differences with Aleema Khan and added that Imran Khan had already distributed responsibilities among party leaders.

PTI statement on visitation rights

In a separate statement, PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram criticised the government over what he described as continued disregard for court orders and the ongoing denial of visitation rights to the party’s founding chairman and his spouse, Bushra Bibi.

Akram said, "Despite clear judicial directives allowing meetings with family members, lawyers, and political leaders twice a week, these orders are repeatedly ignored."

He further said Imran Khan remained the country’s most popular political leader and could not be removed from the hearts and minds of the people.

Party reaction to HRCP report

Separately, PTI reacted strongly to the latest annual report issued by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), describing it as a charge sheet on the worsening human rights situation in the country.

In its statement, the party said, "The report exposes the incompetence, authoritarian governance, and violations of the Constitution by the current ‘Form-47’ government."

The party further stated, "The HRCP report confirms that freedom of expression in Pakistan is under severe pressure, journalists are being harassed, media houses are facing unofficial restrictions, and the voices of those speaking the truth are being suppressed through force. This situation poses not only a threat to democracy but also damages the credibility of state institutions."

PTI also said the report had raised serious concerns about enforced disappearances, extrajudicial actions and unchecked powers of law enforcement agencies, adding that the rule of law in the country had weakened. The party stated that political activists, especially PTI leaders and workers, were reportedly facing fabricated cases, illegal detentions and inhumane methods such as solitary confinement.