Police on Thursday blocked multiple senior opposition leaders and family members of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan from meeting him at Adiala Jail, sparking protests outside the facility.
Among those stopped were Imran’s sister Aleema Khan, her two sisters, Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub, PTI leader Zartaj Gul, Sahibzada Hamid Raza, Niazullah Niazi, and several others.
Security personnel deployed at various police checkpoints turned them away, citing security concerns.
Aleema Khan and her sisters staged a sit-in protest at the police blockade, refusing to leave.
“We were assured we would meet him today, but once again, we are being lied to,” Aleema told reporters. The family maintained they would not leave until granted access.
At a separate checkpoint, Omar Ayub was intercepted. Speaking to media, Ayub criticised the government for what he called “economic deception” and questioned its management of national funds, especially in relation to Balochistan.
He accused Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government of 'dishonesty and poor governance'.
PTI’s Zartaj Gul was also denied entry near the Daighal checkpoint.
She condemned the blockade, calling it politically motivated. “They have shut down Adiala Road and turned this into a spectacle. They are afraid of us meeting our leader,” she told reporters. She also criticised government officials for “double standards” and “misusing authority.”
Religious leader Sahibzada Hamid Raza and Niazullah Niazi were similarly stopped. Hamid Raza expressed frustration over what he called “selective permissions” being granted for prison visits.
“Imran Khan represents the nation. If this is how a former prime minister is treated, how can ordinary citizens expect justice?” he said.
Raza also rejected claims suggesting divisions within the opposition ranks. “I will never be part of any compromised group. I reject compromise with contempt,” he added, referring to alleged political backdoor dealings.
Earlier this week, court orders had reportedly allowed visits for certain names submitted by Imran Khan’s legal team.
However, several leaders claimed they were being denied access despite being on the approved list.
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