Pressure Mounts on Shehbaz Government as Imran Khan’s Sister to Meet Him in Jail; Section 144 Imposed in Rawalpindi

Islamabad: Under growing international scrutiny, Pakistan’s Shehbaz Sharif government may allow former Prime Minister Imran Khan to meet his sister at Adiala Jail on Tuesday, December 2. Khan has been in custody since August 2023. Authorities have imposed Section 144 in Rawalpindi, prohibiting public gatherings, amid fears of protests.

Limited Meeting Arrangements

According to sources close to Khan and reported by CNN-News18, the jail authorities have permitted only Khan’s sister, Uzma, and a prominent lawyer to meet him. The meeting is subject to strict conditions, including no interaction with the media or social media coverage.

Authorities Fear Public Backlash

Pakistani officials are reportedly anxious about Khan’s physical and mental condition becoming public. They fear that any leaked information could trigger large-scale demonstrations similar to the unrest following Khan’s arrest on May 9, 2023. PTI supporters have already staged protests outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, demanding access to Khan’s family members.

Section 144 Imposed in Rawalpindi

In anticipation of further protests, Punjab authorities have enforced Section 144 around the jail premises, restricting public gatherings. PTI activists, women supporters, and party youth cadres have been camped outside the facility for several days, pressuring the government to allow the meeting.

PTI Announces New Protests

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced fresh demonstrations outside the Islamabad High Court and Adiala Jail on Tuesday. The government fears large crowds, especially women and PTI youth activists, might gather. Officials are also concerned that Khan’s sister or lawyer may disclose any mistreatment or signs of torture during his custody, escalating public unrest.