Islamabad, March 24, 2026: Sisters of incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan were once again denied a meeting with him at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail on Tuesday, prompting strong criticism from the party, which termed the continued restrictions a “blatant violation of fundamental human and constitutional rights.”
Despite orders by the Islamabad High Court allowing the former prime minister to meet family, lawyers, and associates twice a week — on Tuesdays and Thursdays — access has reportedly remained restricted for several weeks. Khan’s last confirmed meeting was with his counsel, Salman Safdar, on February 10, following intervention by the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
Speaking to media outside the jail, Khan’s sister Aleema Khanum raised concerns about his health, stressing the need to determine the cause of his recent medical issues. Reports of partial vision loss in his right eye have drawn attention, with doctors indicating that, with corrective glasses, his vision stands at 6/9.
On Monday, Khan underwent a third eye-related procedure at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, where he was administered an anti-VEGF intra-vitreal injection, according to a hospital statement.
Family members and personal physicians have called for his transfer to Shifa International Hospital for further treatment, while also demanding that his personal doctors be granted access.
Aleema Khanum also questioned why authorities were insisting that Khan’s sons travel to Pakistan on National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOPs) instead of allowing entry on British passports. Last week, Jemima Goldsmith raised similar concerns, alleging that such a requirement could leave them without British consular protection.
Family members further lamented that they were not permitted to meet Khan even on Eidul Fitr. His sister, Noreen Niazi, criticized the situation, claiming there was “no law in the country,” while rejecting allegations that PTI supporters were creating a law and order situation.
PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, who was also present, said the legal fraternity was prepared to raise its voice for justice despite what he described as attempts to divide lawyers.
In a separate statement, PTI condemned Khan’s “prolonged solitary confinement,” calling it a breach of internationally recognised human rights standards, including the Nelson Mandela Rules. The party argued that extended solitary confinement amounts to physical and psychological torture.
The party demanded immediate access for Khan to his family, legal counsel, and party leadership, removal from solitary confinement, unhindered access to personal physicians, and his transfer to Shifa International Hospital for essential treatment.
Meanwhile, PTI’s Islamabad chapter proposed a roadmap for securing Khan’s release, asserting that a comprehensive and coordinated strategy would be necessary.
Islamabad chapter president Amir Mughal said a detailed plan had been submitted to the party leadership, outlining steps to achieve democratic stability and secure the release of Khan and other detainees.
He emphasized internal accountability, calling for a transparent review of party office-bearers’ performance since Khan’s arrest in May 2023, alongside the inclusion of more active leadership to rebuild public confidence.
Mughal proposed a six-point agenda focusing on the release of detainees, supremacy of the Constitution and rule of law, inflation control, elimination of corruption, job creation, and improved law and order.
He also stressed the need for organised public engagement through peaceful gatherings, youth mobilisation, and a stronger media strategy involving journalists and social media influencers. Additionally, he called for activating the party’s lawyers’ wing and mobilising the overseas community to support the movement within legal frameworks.
The PTI has already announced plans to begin registrations for a nationwide movement seeking Khan’s release after Eid, signalling a potential escalation in its political campaign.
