Aleema Khan Detained Temporarily by Rawalpindi Police
Aleema Khan, sister of former prime minister Imran Khan, was taken into temporary custody by Rawalpindi police on Wednesday following court directives, shortly after ending a prolonged sit-in outside Adiala Jail. Her detention came a day after she, along with her sisters and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) supporters, staged a nearly 10-hour demonstration at Gorakhpur Naka after being denied permission to meet the incarcerated former premier.
According to police and party sources, negotiations between senior officers, Aleema Khan and Shia cleric Allama Nasir Abbas continued late into Tuesday night and eventually resulted in an agreement that the authorities would facilitate a meeting next week. PTI leader Noreen Niazi, who was present during the discussions, said the assurance was conditional and warned that the protest would resume if the scheduled meeting was not arranged. She added that the party had grown increasingly concerned about the former prime minister’s well-being and possible relocation from Adiala Jail, a matter that PTI leadership has been highlighting in recent weeks.
Earlier on Tuesday, Aleema Khan arrived at Adiala Jail along with party workers in hopes of meeting her brother but was stopped by jail authorities, who cited security and procedural restrictions. The situation escalated when PTI supporters attempted to accompany her toward the entrance, prompting a heated exchange with police personnel deployed at the site. Officers formed a cordon to block the workers, leading to a standoff that continued for several hours. As tensions persisted, Aleema Khan sat on the road at Gorakhpur Naka and refused to leave until officials provided clarity regarding the meeting with Imran Khan.
The sit-in drew a sizeable crowd of PTI supporters, many of whom chanted slogans demanding immediate access to the former prime minister. Traffic in the surrounding areas was disrupted as police sealed off adjoining lanes to manage the gathering. Authorities later confirmed that the matter was being handled under court orders governing visitation rights and security protocols at Adiala Jail.
Police officials said Aleema Khan’s temporary detention on Wednesday was procedural and followed directives linked to the prior day’s protest. They added that she was released shortly afterward, though no formal statement was issued regarding the conditions of her release. PTI leaders, meanwhile, accused the administration of attempting to pressure the family and limit information about the former premier’s condition.
The confrontation outside Adiala Jail comes amid rising political tensions, with the PTI repeatedly alleging restrictions on access to Imran Khan and expressing concerns about his treatment in custody. Party representatives have claimed that authorities are considering shifting him from Adiala Jail, a claim the government has not confirmed.
Aleema Khan thanked supporters following her release and reiterated that she would continue to seek lawful access to her brother. She maintained that Tuesday’s sit-in had been peaceful and insisted that the party would pursue all legal and constitutional measures to ensure transparency regarding Imran Khan’s detention.
The situation surrounding access to the former prime minister is expected to remain contentious in the coming days, especially if authorities fail to arrange the meeting pledged for next week. PTI leaders have indicated that further protests are likely if commitments made during negotiations are not honoured.
FAQs
1. Why was Aleema Khan detained?
She was taken into temporary custody following court directives related to her sit-in outside Adiala Jail.
2. What triggered the sit-in at Gorakhpur Naka?
Aleema Khan and PTI workers staged the protest after she was not allowed to meet Imran Khan inside Adiala Jail.
3. Was the protest called off?
Yes, it ended after police assured that a meeting with Imran Khan would be arranged next week.
4. Did police and PTI engage in negotiations?
Yes, officers and PTI representatives, including Allama Nasir Abbas, held talks that eventually led to the sit-in’s conclusion.
5. Is Imran Khan being moved to another jail?
PTI claims there are concerns about a possible transfer, but authorities have not confirmed any relocation.
