In a significant development, authorities at Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail permitted Uzma Khanum, the sister of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, to visit him inside the prison facility. This move comes amidst swirling rumours regarding Khan's health and well-being, with his family reportedly seeking proof of his condition.
Family Visit Amidst Speculation and Protests
The visit was conducted while dozens of supporters from Khan's political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), waited outside the jail premises. Uzma Khanum was escorted into the prison to meet her brother personally, providing a temporary respite to the family's concerns. The meeting holds considerable weight as it occurred against a backdrop of intense speculation and a concerted campaign by the PTI highlighting restricted access to the incarcerated leader.
PTI Organises Protests Over Visitation Rights
Concurrently, the PTI organised demonstrations outside two key locations: the Islamabad High Court and the Adiala Jail itself. The core grievance driving these protests is the party's assertion that Imran Khan's family members and senior party leaders have been systematically prevented from visiting him for several weeks. This prolonged restriction on visitation rights had fueled anxiety within the party ranks and among his supporters, culminating in the public demonstrations.
Context of Rumours and Political Tensions
The jail authorities' decision to allow the family visit is seen as a direct response to the growing rumours about Khan's condition. The former Prime Minister's legal team and political allies have repeatedly raised alarms, demanding transparency about his health and treatment in prison. This incident underscores the heightened political tensions in Pakistan, where Imran Khan remains a central figure despite his imprisonment. The situation continues to evolve, with the PTI vowing to maintain pressure until what they call "unjust" restrictions on access are fully lifted.
