Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan remains in custody at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, but serious turbulence erupted this week after his three sisters Aleema Khan, Noreen Niazi and Dr Uzma Khan alleged they were “brutally assaulted” by police while peacefully protesting outside the jail following a denied visit. Authorities strongly denied rumours that Imran Khan had died or been moved, insisting he is “fully healthy and receiving complete medical attention.”
The tense confrontation unfolded when the sisters, accompanied by supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), staged a sit-in after being refused their weekly meeting with the former premier. According to party statements, police including women officers dragged Noreen by her hair, uprooted the protesters, and forcibly detained several, sparking outrage and condemnation. “I was seized by my hair, thrown to the ground, and dragged across the road,” Noreen later alleged in a formal complaint to the Punjab Inspector General of Police.
The protest triggered a flurry of rumours on social media some claiming that Imran Khan had died in custody. Those rumours escalated peace-of-mind among supporters, mobilising a wave of concern across Pakistan and among overseas communities. However, within hours jail authorities issued a sharp rebuttal, calling the reports “baseless and fabricated,” and clarifying that Khan remains at the same facility, with no transfer or emergency hospitalization.
Despite the official denial, PTI and civil-rights bodies including Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) have demanded an independent and transparent inquiry into the alleged mistreatment of the former PM’s family. The HRCP called the act of “manhandling” peaceful protestors a violation of fundamental human rights and urged authorities to uphold the right to peaceful assembly and family visits.
Legal and political observers warn the case risks further polarising Pakistan’s already fractious political environment. PTI leaders have announced a nationwide “black day” protest to demand accountability and press for reinstatement of regular visitation rights for Khan’s family. Meanwhile, many analysts view the crackdown outside Adiala Jail as indicative of growing pressure on opposition figures and potential erosion of civil liberties.
READ ALSO: White House Shooting Suspect Named: Afghan Ex-Operative Arrested
The incident comes against the backdrop of heightened public scrutiny over Khan’s treatment in custody, including previous allegations of restricted lawyer and family access, and fears about his health and well-being. With social media amplifying each development, the unfolding drama underscores deep mistrust between Khan’s supporters and state institutions.
Yet for now, official sources assert, former prime minister Imran Khan is alive, in stable condition, and still under custody at Adiala Jail. The onus now lies on authorities to impartially investigate the alleged assault and restore confidence in the fairness of detention protocols or face mounting pressure amid widespread public and political backlash.
