Rawalpindi, May 12, 2026: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Tuesday joined a sit-in staged near Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi alongside the sisters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder, amid heightened security measures and the imposition of Section 144 in the twin cities.
The protest is being held outside the Factory Check Post on Adiala Road, where PTI founder Imran Khan’s family members, including his sister Aleema Khan, have been staging a sit-in.
Imran Khan has completed 1,000 days in custody, having been imprisoned since August 2023. Jail authorities have repeatedly denied permission for family members and party leaders to meet him, despite multiple requests.
The former ruling party has expressed concern over the health of Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi, both of whom recently underwent eye-related medical procedures. PTI leaders have demanded their immediate transfer to a hospital for comprehensive medical examinations and treatment under supervision of doctors and family members.
Aleema Khan, in a post on social media platform X, alleged that Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were being subjected to “illegal isolation” and “systematic psychological and physical torture,” claims which authorities have not officially responded to.
She further stated that the party’s primary demand is the transfer of Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital for detailed medical assessment and treatment of his eye condition.
The sit-in coincides with a scheduled meeting day for the imprisoned former prime minister at Adiala Jail. However, authorities have already imposed strict restrictions in the area.
The Rawalpindi administration has enforced Section 144 for 15 days, declaring Adiala Jail and surrounding areas a red zone and banning all public gatherings.
Police have sealed Adiala Road with barriers and deployed heavy contingents at multiple checkpoints to maintain order and security.
The Islamabad administration has also reiterated that Section 144 remains in force in the federal capital, warning that any violation will result in strict legal action.
Alongside CM Sohail Afridi, several PTI leaders including Salman Akram Raja, Shahid Khattak, Naeem Haider Panjutha, and Niazullah Niazi, as well as party workers, participated in the protest.
Aleema Khan also urged PTI supporters not to travel to Adiala Jail, warning of possible arrests amid heightened security operations.
Imran Khan, 73, has remained in custody since August 2023 following multiple convictions that he and PTI describe as politically motivated. Since his removal from office in April 2022 through a no-confidence vote, he has faced several legal cases, including allegations related to state gifts and an unlawful marriage case.
While some convictions have been suspended or overturned, multiple appeals remain pending in higher courts. Khan continues to deny all allegations.
