Imran’s sisters and PTI leaders charged with terrorism over Adiala protest

A terrorism case has been registered against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan’s sisters, senior party figures and 400 others for staging a sit-in outside Adiala Jail.

The FIR, lodged at Saddar Bairuni police station in Rawalpindi on Wednesday, invokes sections 7 and 21 (I) of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) 1997 and the Pakistan Penal Code. Police said protesters had staged a sit-in on Kacheri Road, near the prison, despite restrictions on public gatherings imposed under Section 144.

According to the FIR, the case names Imran Khan’s sisters Aleema Khan, Dr Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi, along with PTI leaders Qasim Khan, Salman Akram Raja and Aliya Hamza. Other nominees include Naeem Panjutha, Tabish Farooq, Tayyaba Raja, Nadia Khattak, Haroon, Raja Asad Abbas, Zafar Gondal and Shafqat Abbas. In total, 35 suspects have been identified and around 400 unidentified people are mentioned in the report.

The police also added sections 324, 120B, 147, 109, 286, 149, 440, 285, 188, 341, 353 and 186 of the PPC in the FIR, along with the provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act. Officials added that 14 suspects were arrested at the scene and later produced before an anti-terrorism court.

The FIR claims that petrol bombs were used against law enforcement personnel during the sit-in. Police said further investigation is underway and more arrests are expected once the remaining suspects are identified.

Earlier on Wednesday, police dispersed protesters near the Adiala factory and jail checkpoint after clashes broke out. Riot units and water cannons filled with cold water mixed with chemicals were deployed to clear the area.

Imran Khan’s sisters Aleema, Noreen and Dr Uzma, along with senior PTI leaders, arrived at the jail on Tuesday for a scheduled family meeting. Officials had beefed up security at the prison, deploying additional contingents and installing barricades at key access points, including gate number 5, the Gorakhpur entrance and the factory check post.

Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas and Aleema were trapped in the water cannon on Tuesday night as police tried to disperse the crowd. Several protesters taking shelter in side streets were arrested, while some protesters allegedly responded with stone throwing.

Read: Police use water cannon to disperse protest near Adiala jail

Authorities later said Adiala Road had been cleared, barriers removed and normal traffic restored, confirming that the operation had concluded and protesters had dispersed.

Speaking to reporters, Aleema said Khan’s demands centered on constitutionalism. “The founder’s demand is the restoration of the Constitution, democracy and the rule of law,” he said, adding that Khan had been imprisoned for more than two and a half years.

He questioned repeated restrictions on family visits. “Should the government tell us why the PTI founder’s family is not allowed to meet him?” he added.

Legal bodies condemn the incident

The Human Rights Council of Pakistan (HRCP) has condemned an incident in which prominent religious scholar Allama Raja Nasir Abbas’s turban fell off a high-pressure water cannon while he was peacefully standing outside Adiala Jail.

Calling the act a violation of religious dignity, freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly, the HRCP urged those involved to be held accountable and called on authorities to safeguard religious figures, women and peaceful protesters.

Amnesty International South Asia also expressed concern about the safety of peaceful protesters and the alleged failure to comply with judicial directives. He highlighted Khan’s prolonged conditions of solitary confinement, saying that the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture had called similar detention conditions illegal and psychologically harmful.

The rights group further said that denying family reunions and legal advice violated Pakistan’s international commitments, including the ICCPR, and contradicted the Mandela Rules, which prohibit the use of family contact restrictions as punishment.

He added that the authorities’ repeated use of high-pressure water cannons against peaceful protesters in front of Adiala prison constitutes a flagrant violation of their right to peaceful assembly. Such actions undermine the fundamental freedoms guaranteed to citizens.

The statement urged authorities to respect the people’s right to peacefully protest without fear of excessive or punitive measures. The disproportionate use of force not only intimidates protesters but also threatens the democratic principles of freedom of expression and assembly.

Imran Khan’s children plan visit to Pakistan

Meanwhile, Imran Khan’s son Qasim Khan has said that he and his brother Sulaiman plan to visit Pakistan in January, after applying for visas.

Speaking to British broadcaster Sky News, Qasim said the brothers hoped their applications would be processed soon. His comments come amid complaints from Khan’s sisters that they were again denied access to him in Adiala jail. PTI also reported the use of water mixed with chemicals during the police operation.

Qasim rejected suggestions that he would encourage his father to consider a deal for his release. “This is his life. This is really his passion and his purpose,” he said. “Imran Khan says his life’s mission is to rid Pakistan of corruption”.