By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON –The sisters of former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan on Wednesday lodged in Adiala jail, staged a sit-in near Rawalpindi’s Factory Naka after they were denied permission to meet him, Pakistani media reported.
The protest began around mid-afternoon and continued late into the night.
It was led by Aleema Khan, accompanied by Noreen Khan Niazi and Uzma Khan, and was joined by senior leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf including provincial president Junaid Akbar and Mushtaq Ghani.
Media reported that the demonstration is part of a series of protests by Khan’s family over the past several weeks, during which they have alleged repeated obstruction in accessing the jailed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder.
Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi are serving 17-year prison sentences in the Toshakhana-II case.
Aleema Khan addressed reporters at the protest site, said the family had been prevented from meeting her brother every Tuesday, claimed the authorities were deliberately restricting access.
She alleged that both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were being held in solitary confinement and subjected to mental torture.
Aleema said the former prime minister had already given instructions to prepare for protests.
She added that once a formal call was announced, any statements suggesting negotiations would not reflect the party’s stance.
