In a fresh escalation of political tensions, the intense crackdown at Adiala Jail sit-in has drawn sharp criticism from Pakistan’s opposition alliance, with leaders accusing law enforcement of using excessive force against unarmed protesters and family members of jailed PTI founder Imran Khan.
The latest standoff unfolded in the early hours when Punjab police deployed water cannons and detained several demonstrators, including Imran Khan’s sisters, Aleema Khan, Uzma Khan, and Noreen Niazi, as crowds gathered outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi to demand access to the former prime minister. Videos shared on social media by PTI’s Punjab account on X showed police operating high-pressure water streams in freezing conditions, targeting peaceful protesters and families.
In response, the Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) accused authorities of deploying water mixed with chemicals, alleging that hundreds were affected and decrying the action as a violation of fundamental rights. The opposition has reiterated that such tactics would not deter its movement, insisting on compliance with an Islamabad High Court order that mandates twice-weekly meetings between Imran Khan and his supporters.
Senior PTI leader Salman Akram Raja expressed dismay at the denial of these rights, framing the sit-in as a fight for justice and due process. Earlier protests outside the jail have seen repeated clashes with police, with sit-ins staged whenever party leaders were barred from meeting the jailed former premier under the IHC’s directives.
Adding to the political discourse, recent reports show internal dissent within PTI ranks over strategies for securing Imran Khan’s release, an issue highlighted in recent political commentary.
Opposition figures have pledged that the intense crackdown at Adiala Jail will only strengthen their resolve, signaling continued protests and legal challenges in the days ahead.
