The family of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan staged a solemn prayer protest outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi after prison authorities repeatedly denied them permission to meet him. This dramatic development highlights the ongoing political and legal tensions surrounding the incarcerated leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.
Accusations of Deliberate Isolation and Rights Violation
Senior PTI leader Faisal Javed, addressing the media in Rawalpindi on January 7, 2026, launched a sharp critique against the jail administration. He stated that despite clear court orders permitting meetings, authorities have systematically blocked access to Imran Khan for nearly two years. Javed emphasized that the ban extends not just to family members but also to Khan's sisters, close party colleagues, and even his legal defence team.
Javed framed this persistent denial as a severe infringement of Imran Khan's fundamental legal rights and a blatant disregard for due process. He alleged that the actions of the authorities are a calculated strategy to deliberately isolate the PTI chief, cutting him off from personal and professional support during his incarceration.
A Family's Protest and Party's Resolve
Faced with this continued obstruction, members of Imran Khan's family, alongside party supporters, resorted to a peaceful prayer protest outside the prison walls. This symbolic act was intended to draw public attention to what the PTI describes as the unjust and illegal treatment of their leader.
In his statement, Faisal Javed was resolute about the party's next steps. He asserted that the PTI would continue its struggle through all available legal and political avenues to secure unimpeded access to Imran Khan. The core demand is the immediate and unconditional implementation of existing court directions regarding visitation rights.
Broader Implications for Legal and Political Discourse
This incident is not an isolated one but fits into a broader pattern of allegations from the PTI about the treatment of its chairman and other members. The standoff at Adiala Jail raises significant questions about the rule of law and the application of prison regulations to high-profile political figures.
The PTI's public campaign on this issue aims to keep the spotlight on Imran Khan's legal battles and his status in custody. By framing it as a matter of basic human and legal rights, the party seeks to galvanize its support base and maintain political pressure on the current establishment. The situation remains a flashpoint in Pakistan's deeply polarized political landscape.
