AI Generated Summary
- Khan’s relatives have also alleged that he is being kept in extreme isolation, confined alone in what they describe as a “death cell.
- “Not knowing whether your father is safe, harmed, or alive amounts to psychological torture,” he said, adding that the authorities’ silence has led the family to fear that “something irreversible” may have occurred.
- As rumours and uncertainty continue to swirl, the lack of clarity over Khan’s condition has intensified a political atmosphere already fraught with mistrust, prompting renewed scrutiny of the country’s justice and detention systems.
Authorities in Rawalpindi have moved to restrict public gatherings for three days as speculation grows around the health and safety of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan. The district administration enacted Section 144, citing urgent security concerns at a time when Khan’s family and supporters are demanding proof that he is alive.
The order, issued by Deputy Commissioner Dr. Hassan Waqar Cheema, will remain in effect from December 1 to December 3 and bars any assembly of five or more people. Officials say intelligence assessments suggest that organised groups are planning to stir unrest through large-scale demonstrations.
Sweeping Restrictions
Under the temporary ban, a range of activities have been prohibited, including:
- Public rallies, marches, sit-ins, or any gathering exceeding four people
- Carrying weapons or objects that could be used violently, such as batons or petrol bombs
- Displaying firearms, except by security personnel
- Delivering incendiary speeches
- Violating police barriers or restrictions
- Pillion riding on motorbikes
- Use of loudspeakers
The measures were described as necessary to prevent attempts to disturb public order or target vulnerable locations in the city.
Mounting Anxiety Over Khan’s Whereabouts
Khan, who has been held in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail since August 2023 following multiple convictions he says are politically motivated, has not been seen by his family for weeks. Despite a court-mandated schedule allowing weekly visits, relatives say they have been repeatedly denied access.
His sons, Kasim and Sulaiman Khan, have openly questioned whether their father is receiving medical care—or even whether he is still alive. In remarks to Reuters, Kasim said the family has had no verified contact with Khan for “a couple of months,” describing the situation as emotionally devastating.
“Not knowing whether your father is safe, harmed, or alive amounts to psychological torture,” he said, adding that the authorities’ silence has led the family to fear that “something irreversible” may have occurred.
Khan’s relatives have also alleged that he is being kept in extreme isolation, confined alone in what they describe as a “death cell.”
PTI Calls for Nationwide Protests
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)—the party Khan founded—has announced demonstrations across the country to demand immediate access to the former prime minister. Party leaders say the restrictions in Rawalpindi are an attempt to suppress public pressure and prevent supporters from gathering near the jail.
The government, however, maintains that the security situation leaves it with no choice but to impose strict controls.
As rumours and uncertainty continue to swirl, the lack of clarity over Khan’s condition has intensified a political atmosphere already fraught with mistrust, prompting renewed scrutiny of the country’s justice and detention systems.
