Tensions escalated outside Pakistan’s Adiala Jail after Aleema Khan, sister of former Prime Minister and PTI founder Imran Khan, alleged that he is being subjected to “torture” and kept in “illegal isolation”. Her comments came as family members and party supporters gathered for a sit-in demanding access and transparency regarding the former premier’s condition.
Family alleges isolation, torture and blocked access
Speaking to reporters outside the jail, Aleema Khan said the family had been attempting to meet Imran Khan for eight months but continued to be denied access.
“We come here every Tuesday. We are not allowed to meet Imran Khan. They are torturing him… He has been kept in illegal isolation,” she said, expressing grave concern over his treatment in custody.
PTI workers assembled in large numbers, raising alarms about the former prime minister’s health and safety. Heavy security was deployed around the facility as authorities monitored the growing demonstration.
Senior PTI leaders join sit-in amid rising tensions
The protest gained momentum as senior PTI leaders — including Secretary General Salman Akram Raja and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial chief Junaid Akbar Khan — joined the sit-in. Their presence underlined the party’s frustration after repeated attempts to see Imran Khan were reportedly blocked, despite a court order allowing visits on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
According to Dawn, the situation intensified following a rare 20-minute meeting on December 2, when Uzma Khanum, another sister of Imran Khan, was permitted access nearly a month after all communication had been halted.
Claims of psychological torture and sharp response from Pakistan Army
Following the meeting, Khanum stated that her brother appeared physically stable but was undergoing “psychological torture”. She also alleged that Imran Khan held Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, responsible for his suffering.
The Pakistan Army issued a strong rebuttal, describing Imran Khan as “mentally unstable and narcissistic”, rejecting all allegations of mistreatment.
Khanum’s comments, shared publicly, heightened concerns among PTI supporters and led to increased scrutiny of the government’s handling of the former prime minister’s detention.
Government bans further visits, citing rule violations
Shortly after her remarks, the government barred Uzma Khanum and others from future visits. Pakistan’s Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar stated that political discussions reportedly took place during the December 2 meeting, which he said violated prison protocols.
“There is no room in the prison rules for political discussions… this won’t happen,” he said, confirming the ban.
Growing concerns over detainee rights and political pressure
The restrictions have deepened mistrust between PTI and the government at a time when Imran Khan faces multiple convictions and remains one of Pakistan’s most polarising political figures.
Local reports indicate that party supporters fear for his mental well-being amid prolonged isolation, limited family access and heightened political tensions.
As demands for transparent verification of his condition continue, the standoff between the government and PTI appears set to intensify in the weeks ahead.