The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) announced a major wave of demonstrations in Islamabad and Rawalpindi on Tuesday to protest against the illegal restriction of access to former prime minister Imran Khan in Adiala jail.
Why is PTI launching protests outside Adiala Jail and Islamabad High Court?
PTI leaders say they have been repeatedly denied permission to meet their jailed founding chairman, prompting the party to stage demonstrations outside Adiala Jail and the Islamabad High Court (IHC). According to Dawn, the plan was finalized despite authorities pushing for new curbs at a public meeting.
PTI leader Asad Qaiser told the publication that lawmakers from both houses of parliament would begin their protest in front of the IHC before moving to jail.
“It has been decided to hold protests because the IHC has failed to implement its order and the Adiala jail administration is not willing to implement the court orders,” Qaiser said.
Qaiser added that he will address a public rally in Quetta on Tuesday, while advocate Gohar Ali Khan and other senior PTI leaders will lead demonstrations in Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
What restrictions have the authorities placed on public gatherings?
The PTI protests will unfold as part of a broad ban on public gatherings imposed by local and federal Pakistani authorities.
The Rawalpindi district administration has issued a three-day ban effective from Monday, while the Islamabad administration has imposed a two-month ban starting November 18.
The move was criticized by the PTI as an attempt to suppress political opposition and prevent supporters from highlighting what they describe as violations of Imran Khan’s fundamental rights.
What does PTI claim about Imran Khan’s treatment in jail?
PTI claims that Imran Khan’s family members and senior party leaders have been denied access to him for several weeks. The party claims this constitutes a serious violation of human rights as well as court orders.
Qaiser claimed that a parliamentary committee had also demanded Khan’s release, saying the administration was “committing human rights violations by preventing the former prime minister from meeting his family members”.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi staged a sit-in last week outside Adiala Jail after he was reportedly prevented from meeting Khan for the eighth consecutive time.
What do we know about Imran Khan’s health?
Amid persistent rumors about former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s well-being, both the Pakistan government and PTI leaders have issued statements that Imran Khan is in stable health.
