Amid widespread rumours over the health of jailed former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, his sisters have alleged that police used force against them while they were attempting to secure a meeting with him outside Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail.
Khan, who has been incarcerated since August 2023 in multiple cases, has reportedly been barred from meeting visitors for more than a month. His sisters — Noreen Khan, Aleema Khan and Uzma Khan — said they were denied access to him and claimed that police “brutally assaulted” them along with supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
The PTI said the group was peacefully gathered outside the prison when police allegedly “pounced on them,” calling the incident a violation of their basic rights. The party has demanded an independent inquiry into the alleged misconduct.
In a letter to Punjab Inspector General of Police Usman Anwar, the family asserted that the police action was unwarranted. Noreen Khan said they were protesting calmly out of concern for their brother’s wellbeing. She alleged that streetlights were intentionally turned off before police personnel began an assault.
“At the age of 71, I was pulled by the hair, thrown to the ground, and dragged across the road,” she wrote, adding that other women were slapped and manhandled. The family accused authorities of a continuing pattern of excessive force against peaceful demonstrators.
Khan, PTI’s patron-in-chief, is currently held in strict isolation, according to his legal team, which claims even books and essential items are being denied to him. Lawyer Khalid Yousaf Chaudry criticised the restrictions, saying, “No one else has any rights.”
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has reportedly attempted to visit Khan on several occasions but has been turned away each time. PTI leaders allege that jail decisions are being directed by military officials.
The restrictions and lack of public contact have fuelled false reports on social media about Khan’s condition, prompting his supporters to demand verified information and access.
