A week of mounting tensions outside Adiala Jail ended Tuesday afternoon when one of Imran Khan’s sisters, Uzma Khan, was finally allowed to meet the jailed former Pakistani Prime Minister. The development came just hours after Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) supporters threatened mass demonstrations across Rawalpindi and Islamabad, defying government restrictions.
Uzma, who was escorted through multiple security layers into the prison, dismissed earlier reports that the meeting was allowed only under strict conditions.
“We don’t go by conditions,” she said firmly while walking into the heavily guarded complex, signalling defiance amid a dangerous swirl of speculation surrounding her brother’s fate.
Rumours of Custodial Killing Trigger Political Storm
Tensions have been escalating for days as rumours circulated that Imran Khan — incarcerated for over two years on corruption and terrorism charges — had been murdered in custody. The rumours erupted at the same time his family members were denied visitation rights for several weeks, despite existing court orders permitting access.
The PTI leadership and Imran’s family have accused authorities of hiding crucial information about his condition. His relatives claim the former prime minister has been kept in a “death cell” and that the denial of meetings suggests “something irreversible” may have happened.
PTI Calls for Massive Protests as Rawalpindi Becomes a ‘Fortress’
Earlier in the day, PTI supporters issued a call for large-scale protests in Rawalpindi and Islamabad to demand the restoration of visitation rights. A showdown appeared imminent as the Shehbaz Sharif government imposed strict restrictions on gatherings.
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Rawalpindi was effectively converted into a high-security zone. At least 700 security personnel, equipped with anti-riot gear, were deployed around Adiala Jail. Authorities set up five new checkpoints, blocking major routes and intensifying frisking operations amid fears of unrest.
The region has already seen a week of sit-ins, particularly by Imran Khan’s sisters and party workers, who have accused the police of using excessive force.
Last week, Imran’s siblings alleged they were dragged on the street, manhandled, and briefly detained, raising further concerns about the government’s treatment of the former PM’s family.
Government and Jail Officials Deny Rumours, Claim Imran Is ‘Healthy’
Amid the speculation and political pressure, authorities repeatedly insisted that Imran Khan was in good health.
In an official statement, the Adiala Jail administration said: “There is no truth to reports about his transfer from Adiala Jail. He is fully healthy and receiving complete medical attention.”
However, the credibility of these assurances continues to be questioned by PTI leaders and the former PM’s supporters, who argue that transparency would only be ensured through regular family visits — something denied for weeks until Tuesday.
Uzma Khan said she would speak to the media after meeting her brother, adding that she was “happy to finally receive permission.”
