Police dispersed a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) sit-in near the Adiala Jail checkpoint on Tuesday after tensions rose between security personnel and party workers protesting against the refusal of a meeting with former prime minister Imran Khan.
The demonstration began when PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and the former party founder’s sisters were not allowed to meet Imran Khan inside the jail. Supporters gathered at the factory checkpoint outside the facility, demanding that authorities permit the visit.
Police used a water cannon to push back the protesters after workers began throwing stones. According to sources, several PTI workers were taken into custody during the clashes.
Aleema Khan, sister of Imran Khan, attempted to cool down the situation and repeatedly urged supporters to step back from the barricades. She told workers that the police were “not our enemy” and insisted that many officers themselves were under pressure. She said the protest was peaceful and that women were present, which made it important to avoid confrontation.
Aleema criticised authorities for repeatedly refusing family meetings. She claimed her sister had not discussed politics during the last visit and questioned who had ordered Imran Khan to be kept in solitary confinement. She added that the family had been trying for a month to secure a meeting.
Negotiations between police officials and Aleema Khan continued for some time but failed to break the deadlock. Sources said police returned five vehicles they had earlier detained, but PTI leaders demanded that all vehicles taken into custody be released before they would call off the sit-in. Police had seized 14 official and private vehicles and shifted them to a nearby police station.
Meanwhile, Federal Information Minister Atta Tarar said there was “zero possibility” of a meeting with Imran Khan after what he called a violation of the law. He said visits were suspended on legal grounds, not due to political pressure or personal preferences.
