Imran’s sisters, PTI leaders indicted in terrorism case following Adiala protest

A terrorism case has been registered against sisters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan, senior party leaders 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 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 were named and approximately 400 unidentified individuals 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, alongside the provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act. Officers added that 14 suspects were arrested at the scene and subsequently produced before an anti-terrorism court.

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

Earlier on Wednesday, police dispersed protesters near the Adiala factory and prison checkpoint after clashes broke out. Anti-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, had arrived at the jail on Tuesday for a planned family meeting. Authorities have beefed up security at the prison, deploying additional contingents and installing barricades at key access points, including Gate No. 5, the Gorakhpur entrance and the factory checkpoint.

Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas and Aleema were caught in the spray of a water cannon on Tuesday evening as police tried to disperse the crowd. Several demonstrators sheltering in adjacent streets were arrested, while some demonstrators reportedly responded by throwing stones.

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

Authorities later said Adiala Road had been cleared, barriers removed and normal traffic restored, confirming that the operation had ended 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,” she said, adding that Khan had been incarcerated for more than two and a half years.

She questioned repeated restrictions on family visits. “The government should tell us why the family of the PTI founder is not allowed to meet him? she added.

Right-wing authorities condemn the incident

The Human Rights Council of Pakistan (HRCP) has condemned an incident in which the turban of prominent religious scholar Allama Raja Nasir Abbas fell from a high-pressure water cannon while he was standing peacefully 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 protect religious figures, women and peaceful protesters.

Amnesty International South Asia also raised concerns over the safety of peaceful protesters and the alleged failure to comply with court directives. He highlighted Khan’s prolonged conditions of solitary confinement, saying the United Nations special rapporteur on torture had called similar detention conditions illegal and psychologically harmful.

The human rights group further said the denial of family reunions and legal assistance violated Pakistan’s international commitments, including the ICCPR, and contradicted the Mandela Rules, which prohibit the use of restrictions on family contacts as punishment.

He added that the authorities’ repeated use of high-pressure water cannons against peaceful protesters outside Adiala Prison constitutes a blatant 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 democratic principles of freedom of expression and assembly.

Imran Khan’s sons plan Pakistan visit

Meanwhile, Imran Khan’s son Qasim Khan said he and his brother Sulaiman were planning to visit Pakistan in January, after applying for a visa.

Speaking to British broadcaster Sky News, Qasim said the brothers expected their requests to be addressed soon. Their remarks come amid complaints from Khan’s sisters that they have once again been denied access to Adiala prison. PTI also alleged 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. “It’s his life. It’s really his passion and his purpose,” he said. “Imran Khan says his life’s mission is to rid Pakistan of corruption.”