PTI workers, police clash outside Adiala jail

RAWALPINDI: Several PTI workers were Tuesday taken into custody and later released after a scuffle with the police near the Adiala jail.

The police set up check-posts on the road leading to the jail early in the morning. PTI Senator Ali Zafar, Naeem Haider Panjotha Advocate, former first lady Bushra Bibi’s daughter Mubashira Sheikh and her sister-in-law Mehr-un-Nisa attempted to visit the jail but were stopped at the Gorakhpur police checkpoint. Imran Khan’s sisters Aleema Khan, Noreen Khan, Uzma Khanum, cousin Qasim Khan, Salman Safdar and the party founder’s spokesperson Niazullah Khan Niazi were also stopped at the same checkpoint.

Angered by the obstruction, the PTI workers blocked the Adiala Road and began chanting slogans. When they tried to charge towards the jail from the checkpoint, a clash occurred with the police.

Sahibzada Hamid Raza attempted to march towards the jail with workers, leading to another altercation with the police. The PTI workers tried to break through the police cordon but were stopped and additional force was called out. Aleema Khan and other family members also faced jostling during the standoff.

Meantime, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja arrived at the checkpoint. As the police and PTI workers were locked in a fight, Aleema Khan accompanied by other leaders and a few workers managed to head toward the jail. PTI Chief Whip Aamir Dogar accused the police of assaulting him.

Speaking to the media, he claimed the police tore his clothes and clubbed him. He called it the height of police brutality and hooliganism, adding, “I am a Member of the National Assembly — look at what is happening. Our only fault is that they are bothered by our presence near the Adiala Jail.”

Later, Noreen Khan Niazi and Dr. Uzma Khanum were allowed to meet Imran. The police later released over 15 PTI workers detained at the checkpoint. A heated exchange also occurred between the Opposition Leader Omar Ayub Khan and SP Saddar Nabeel Khokhar near the jail. The dispute arose when the opposition leaders and PTI workers were stopped at the checkpoint.

Earlier, Omar Ayub said, “Sisters of the founder have the court orders. Salman Akram Raja met with the chief justice, but now he is not being allowed to meet the founder.” He accused the authorities of disrespecting judicial orders and suppressing dissent.

PTI Secretary General Barrister Salman Akram Raja declared, “We are now moving toward a major movement.” He alleged his statements were “twisted” and predicted widespread public mobilization.

Talking to the media outside the jail, Aleema Khan said her brother had complained that KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur did not come to meet him, whereas Nawaz Sharif’s entire cabinet used to visit him in jail and London. She said Imran had said that the Mines and Minerals Bill will not be presented in the KP Assembly.

Aleema also pointed out that the party founder had instructed that no policy will be approved without his assent and no one will go to the apex committee without his permission. He has instructed Junaid Akbar to keep all the focus on the movement. She quoted Imran as saying that the people wanted a full-fledged movement at this time and there should be a protest in front of the Election Commission. He also instructed the party workers to go to the election tribunals. The PTI founder, she noted, had reiterated that neither a deal was being made, nor was there any talk with anyone. She noted that her brother was completely fine. In a related development, the district and session court Tuesday postponed hearing on two bail applications of the PTI founder Imran Khan and his spouse Bushra Bibi.

Meanwhile, Additional District and Sessions Judge Amir Zia also heard the bail application of Bushra Bibi in protest case registered on November 26. The court adjourned the hearing without taking action until May 20.