PTI leaders, Imran Khan's sisters denied meeting at Adiala Jail despite IHC orders

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s sisters and several party leaders were once again denied permission to meet the former prime minister at Adiala Jail on Tuesday, despite court orders allowing regular meetings with family members, lawyers and associates.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) had directed jail authorities to facilitate meetings with the incarcerated PTI founder twice a week — on Tuesdays and Thursdays. However, PTI leaders maintain that the former premier has been prevented from meeting visitors for several months.

Among those present outside Adiala Jail were Imran Khan’s sisters, Aleema Khan, Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi, along with lawyers Awais Younis and Faisal Malik. PTI leaders including Zafar Gondal, Seemabia Tahir, Usman Jaura, Nadia Khattak and Sadaf Abbasi also arrived at the prison seeking a meeting with the party founder.

Speaking to reporters, Aleema Khan alleged that Pakistan had remained politically unstable over the past three years while Imran Khan continued to be imprisoned.

Commenting on the recent Gilgit-Baltistan elections, Aleema claimed that public opinion in the region was not adequately reflected by mainstream media outlets. She argued that social media had exposed developments on the ground and asserted that PTI had received strong public support in the region.

“Despite restrictions, the people of Gilgit-Baltistan voted for PTI. Today, social media allows everyone to see what is happening there,” she said.

Responding to a question about her presence outside the jail in extreme heat, Aleema remarked that since her brother remained confined under similar conditions, she could also spend time waiting outside the prison.

She stressed that it was the responsibility of every Pakistani to help safeguard the country’s future and reiterated PTI’s demand for Imran Khan’s release, arguing that his freedom was necessary for political stability.

Regarding reports that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi might visit Adiala Jail, Aleema said it had been decided that he would instead attend Parliament House on June 12, when the federal budget is expected to be presented.

Aleema also reaffirmed her position that the only acceptable political settlement would be the restoration of an independent judiciary and the holding of free, fair and transparent elections across the country.

She maintained that meeting Imran Khan was a constitutional right and pledged to continue visiting Adiala Jail until access was granted. “We will keep coming because this is the only way to keep pressure on those responsible,” she said.