Police block all roads to Adiala

RAWALPINDI: A heavy police deployment on Tuesday restricted access to the Adiala Jail, allowing only a single lawyer to meet Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan. The day had been scheduled for meetings with the former prime minister, and numerous party leaders and family members had arrived at the location, only to be turned away.

A large contingent of police was stationed on the routes leading to the jail and outside its premises. Among those who arrived for the meeting were Khan’s sisters, Aleema Khan, Noreen Khan, and Dr Uzma Khan, along with a significant number of PTI lawmakers and senior officials. They were stopped by police at the Dahgal checkpoint and were not permitted to proceed to the jail.

In a show of protest, several PTI leaders attempted to stage a sit-in by laying mats on the ground near the Dahgal barrier, but these were reportedly seized by the police.

Despite the widespread restrictions, Advocate Zaheer Abbas Chaudhry was granted permission to enter the jail. He arrived at 3:50pm and concluded his meeting with Imran Khan at 4:40pm, after which he departed. Meanwhile, a large number of PTI leaders and workers, including prominent figures like Barrister Salman Akram Raja, MNA Atif Khan, MNA Amir Dogar, and Senator Mirza Muhammad Afridi, remained at the Dahgal barrier for several hours. The list of those present also included notable members such as MNA Shehzada Gul, Barrister Umair Niazi, and Advocate Naeem Haider Panjutha. During this time, PTI workers chanted slogans in support of their leader. Imran Khan’s sisters stated their refusal to leave until a meeting was arranged. Police briefly detained several workers, but they were later released.

The standoff concluded after negotiations between police officials and Aleema Khan. Following assurances from the police, she, along with her two sisters and other party leaders, left the location at approximately 8:15pm.