Pakistan allows conditional meeting between Imran Khan and sister amid tight curbs in Rawalpindi

Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan (Courtesy: AP photo)

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s sister is expected to meet him on Tuesday (December 2) at Adiala Jail, as authorities enforced Section 144 in Rawalpindi amid growing pressure on the Shehbaz Sharif government from supporters of the PTI chief.

Jail authorities are allowing only his sister, Uzma, and one vetted lawyer to meet the former PM under a strict gag order that bars any discussion related to social media, reflecting Islamabad’s efforts to tightly control the flow of information, reported News18, citing sources.

Pakistan is reportedly wary that any detail about Imran Khan’s physical or psychological condition may spark mass mobilisation similar to the May 9, 2023, unrest after his arrest, the sources added.

Section 144 in Rawalpindi

Adiala Jail has seen frequent protests after rumours over Imran Khan’s health circulated, prompting Punjab authorities to impose Section 144 to restrict gatherings. Khan’s three sisters, PTI workers, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM Sohail Afridi have been camping outside the jail for days, pushing the Shehbaz Sharif administration to permit his family to meet him. The party has also announced a fresh protest outside the Islamabad High Court and Adiala Jail on Tuesday.

The federal government is anticipating sudden PTI flash mobs, particularly involving women and younger supporters. Officials are also concerned that Imran Khan’s sister or lawyers may reveal signs of custodial mistreatment or torture from isolation, as per the sources quoted by News18.

By restricting media access, Islamabad aims to prevent Imran Khan’s health from becoming a major international issue. Several human rights groups have already criticised Pakistan over the prolonged detention of the former PM.

The refusal to allow his sisters to meet him for nearly a month, along with the absence of recent photos or videos confirming his well-being, has fuelled speculation online about Imran Khan’s condition.