Imran Khan's Son Urges PTI Supporters to Avoid Adiala Jail During Upcoming March
Kasim Khan's Warning to Supporters
File image of Ex-Pakistan PM Imran Khan(Photo: X)
Islamabad, Sep 25: Kasim Khan, the son of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, has called on supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party to refrain from gathering near Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi during the anticipated long march to Islamabad scheduled for September 27.
Kasim expressed concerns that a congregation near the jail could give authorities a reason to initiate what he termed a "counter" action against the facility where his father is incarcerated, potentially jeopardizing Imran Khan's safety. In a message posted on X, he emphasized the importance of avoiding any protests or marches in that vicinity on the specified date.
He stated, "I’ve received information suggesting that this could be used as a pretext for the establishment to launch a 'counter' operation at the jail where my father is detained, which could put his life at risk. Please do not provide them with any justification for 'accidents' to occur during the protest," he urged.
Background on Imran Khan's Legal Troubles
Kasim Khan's appeal comes as PTI prepares for a march to Islamabad, advocating for the release of their party leader, who has been imprisoned since August 2023 following convictions that the party claims are politically motivated. Since his removal from office in 2022 through a no-confidence vote, Imran Khan has faced multiple legal challenges, including accusations related to state gifts and an unlawful marriage.
Police Actions Ahead of the March
In anticipation of the PTI march, law enforcement has detained over 150 party leaders and activists in the Rawalpindi division under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance, placing them in various detention facilities.
Authorities have been conducting door-to-door searches for PTI members across Rawalpindi division, which includes Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Rawalpindi, and Murree. Reports indicate that police are targeting 463 PTI leaders and activists, with monitoring of 91 members from the Insaf Student Federation and Insaf Lawyers Forum. In the last 20 days, checks have been performed in over 2,000 residences and offices.
Security Measures and Restrictions
Sources indicate that police are blocking roads and deploying personnel across all five districts of Rawalpindi division to manage the PTI's long march. More than 10,600 police officers will be on duty in Rawalpindi to ensure order during the event.
Additionally, the Punjab government has enforced a 13-day prohibition on public gatherings from September 23 to October 5, banning assemblies of five or more individuals in public areas, streets, roads, highways, and open spaces, as reported by another local daily.
The Punjab administration has requested assistance from the Pakistan Rangers for security in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, and Mianwali, and has asked the Federal Ministry of Interior to limit mobile and internet services in specific areas of Rawalpindi and Attock starting September 27 to maintain public order.
The notification cited a "serious and imminent threat to public peace, tranquillity, and the safety of life and property" in Punjab due to potential militant or terrorist activities.
Legal Developments Regarding Imran Khan's Family
On Thursday, the Lahore High Court dismissed a request to immediately suspend the detention orders for Imran Khan's sisters, Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi. This petition was filed after police apprehended Imran Khan's three sisters—Aleema Khan, Noreen Niazi, and Uzma Khan—following a 30-day detention order issued by the Lahore Deputy Commissioner under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance.