PTI decries ‘blatant violation of rights’ as Imran’s sisters again barred from meeting him at Adiala jail

ISLAMABAD: Sisters of incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan were again not allowed to meet him at Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail on Tuesday, while his party termed the persistent denial of meetings with the ex-prime minister a “blatant violation of fundamental human and constitutional rights”.

The IHC has allowed Imran twice-a-week meetings — on Tuesday and Thursdays — with his family, lawyers and other associates. Despite the order, the ex-premier has not been largely restricted from meeting visitors for several weeks.

His last meeting took place with his lawyer, Salman Safdar, on February 10, after the Supreme Court’s intervention following a long period of no visits being allowed.

Speaking to the media outside the Adiala jail, one of Imran’s sisters, Aleema Khanum, said it was important to determine the cause of Imran’s medical issues, which have garnered attention in recent days.

Concerns mounted after partial vision loss in Imran’s right eye was reported via Safdar after he met him. Doctors later confirmed that, with glasses, the PTI founder had 6/9 partial vision in the right eye.

On Monday, Imran underwent a third eye procedure at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims). In a statement issued by the hospital, the PTI founder was brought to Pims for a third dose of an anti-VEGF intra-vitreal injection.

Meanwhile, Imran’s family and personal doctors want him to be admitted to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad and have been demanding that his personal physicians be provided access to him.

Aleema was also questioned why the government was insisting on Imran’s son — who live with their mother in the United Kingdom — travelling to Pakistan on their National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (Nicops) to meet their father instead of issuing visas for them to travel on British passports.

Last week, Jemima Goldsmith, the former spouse of PTI founder Imran Khan, also alleged that the government was recommending that the former premier’s sons travel to Pakistan on Nicops as they would have “no British protection” then.

Aleema further lamented that they were also not allowed to meet Imran on Eidul Fitr.

Her sister, Noreen Niazi decried that “there is no law in the country”.

“We have been coming here for so many days and there has been no damage to any public property,” she maintained, adding that allegations of the PTI “creating a law and order situation are wrong”.

PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, who was also present on the occasion, said lawyers were ready to protest and raise their voice for justice, despite the “government’s efforts to create a divide within the lawyer community”.

Meanwhile, the PTI condemned the persistent denial of meetings with Imran to his sisters in a statement, terming it a “blatant violation of fundamental human and constitutional rights”.

The party urged the judiciary to enforce its orders to “restore its fast-eroding credibility”.

The PTI said Imran had been in “prolonged solitary confinement”, which constituted a “clear breach of internationally recognised human rights standards”, including the United Nations’ Nelson Mandela Rules — the universally recognised blueprint for effective and humane prison management.

The PTI said that under those principles, extended solitary confinement amounted to physical and psychological torture.

It demanded that Imran should be immediately granted access to his family, legal counsel, and party’s leadership; be removed from solitary confinement; be provided unhindered access to his personal physicians; and be shifted without delay to Shifa International Hospital for essential medical treatment.

Call for coordinated strategy

Meanwhile, the party’s Islamabad chapter proposed a roadmap, saying that Imran’s release would not be possible without a comprehensive and well-coordinated strategy.

It should be mentioned that the party had announced that registrations for a movement to release Imran, who has been imprisoned since May 2023 would begin after Eid.

“A detailed and actionable plan has been submitted to Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, outlining a path toward achieving democratic stability and securing the release of Imran and other detainees,” PTI Islamabad Chapter President Amir Mughal told Dawn.

Mughal added that it would be difficult to overcome the current political challenges unless the party leadership presented a practical roadmap in line with the prevailing ground realities.

“The first and foremost point is accountability within the party. Without holding office-bearers and ticket holders accountable for their performance since Imran’s arrest, the movement cannot progress effectively. A transparent review process and the inclusion of energetic leadership can help restore confidence among supporters,” he said.

Mughal suggested a six-point narrative, which included the release of all detainees, including Imran, supremacy of the Constitution and rule of law, reduction in inflation, elimination of corruption and poor governance, job creation, and improvement in law and order.

He suggested communicating a unified message consistently at all levels of the party.

“There is a need for organised public engagement. Peaceful and lawful public gatherings can be held on a rotational basis across districts to ensure consistent participation and visibility. Similar coordinated activities can also be arranged in other provinces and regions,” Mughal said.

He also suggested mobilising the youth as a “major focus” which was the main force for change. “Young people must be encouraged to participate constructively in democratic processes beyond social media,” he added.

Mughal claimed that an effective media and communication strategy was essential.

“Social media influencers and responsible journalists should be engaged to promote the agenda and ensure accurate information reaches the public. Grassroots workers who actively contribute on the ground should be recognised,” he added.

He also suggested that the overseas community should be mobilised to amplify the message globally and provide organisational and financial support within legal frameworks.

The PTI leader also stated that the party’s lawyers’ wing must be activated to strengthen legal advocacy and uphold constitutional principles through peaceful and lawful means.