‘We Are Not Afraid’: Imran Khan’s Sister Leads Sit-In At Adiala Jail Over Solitary Confinement

Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan remained in solitary confinement at Adiala Jail, marking the 22nd consecutive day of his isolation, as no meetings were permitted after jail visiting hours ended. Imran Khan’s last approved meeting was with his sister Aleema Khan on December 2. Since then, authorities have not allowed family members or party representatives to meet the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder.

In response, Aleema Khan and senior leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf announced a sit-in outside Adiala Jail. Party leaders and workers gathered near the prison complex, chanting slogans and staging protests against the jail administration, police, the military establishment and the government led by Shehbaz Sharif.

Addressing protesters, Aleema Khan said they were not intimidated by police action, including the use of water cannons, which authorities had deployed during the last two demonstrations to disperse PTI supporters.

“We are not afraid of any water cannons, shelling or bullets,” she said, adding that the family was seeking only to meet Imran Khan and that the government was “not fulfilling its constitutional obligations.”

She also questioned the decision to keep Imran Khan in solitary confinement and demanded an explanation from Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir.

“If he wants to talk to Imran Khan, he has to come to Adiala,” Aleema Khan said, reiterating that her brother would not engage with what she described as “corrupt regimes.”

Aleema Khan further alleged that suggestions of negotiations or of shifting Imran Khan out of Adiala Jail surface only when pressure on the authorities increases. She warned that any attempt to move Imran Khan would provoke a strong response, claiming that Imran Khan had issued directions that such a move would trigger a complete shutdown in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.