The family of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan has made shocking allegations of police brutality during a peaceful protest outside Adiala Jail, claiming elderly women were dragged on roads and female lawyers were violently handled by law enforcement personnel.
Violent Crackdown on Peaceful Protest
Aleema Khan, sister of the former prime minister, addressed an emotional press conference alongside Dr Uzma Khan, Noreen Khan, and other PTI leaders, describing what she called a violent police crackdown that occurred late Tuesday night. The family had been conducting a 10-hour sit-in protest approximately half a kilometer from the jail premises.
"We were no more than 20 to 25 people sitting on a footpath," Aleema stated, emphasizing the peaceful nature of their demonstration. She claimed they were demanding their court-granted right to meet with Imran Khan, who they allege has been placed in solitary confinement for two weeks.
Disturbing Accounts of Police Behavior
The PTI leaders provided graphic details of the alleged police violence. Aleema claimed that police first targeted and dispersed journalists present at the scene before moving against PTI's Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa ministers Mina Khan, Shahid Khattak, Shafqat, and Abdus Salam.
In one of the most disturbing allegations, Aleema stated that her 71-year-old sister Noreen was thrown to the ground and dragged. She further accused female police personnel - whom she referred to as "female Gullu Butts" - of violent behavior, claiming one officer named Gulnaz instructed others to "beat them."
The press conference heard that 17 female lawyers were forced into police vans and allegedly dragged by their hair, with Aleema emphasizing that the sanctity of women's veils was completely disregarded during the incident.
Broader Political Implications
Dr Uzma Khan revealed that Imran Khan had sent a message urging the nation to "prepare mentally" for what lies ahead. "The time has come: either freedom or death. Yesterday, we actually saw that there is now no other choice," she told journalists.
Noreen Khan, whose son is also imprisoned, spoke about what she called "a system of oppression" and questioned the intentions of those in power. She made serious allegations that authorities want Imran Khan removed because of his refusal to accept Israel, while characterizing May 9 and November 26 as "planned events."
K-P provincial minister Mina Khan Afridi claimed that despite judicial orders, women and elected representatives were assaulted with water cannons during the cold night. He emphasized that "even in war, women are not targeted," yet local police officials allegedly raised hands against them.
Nationwide Protests Called
Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, who also addressed the media, condemned the alleged violence as "a dark day" and called for nationwide protests on Friday. He urged people to wear black armbands in solidarity and questioned what crime the PTI founder had committed to warrant such treatment.
PTI General Secretary Salman Akram Raja appealed to authorities to "come to their senses," emphasizing that the PTI founder has the legal right to meet his sisters. He called for protection of freedom of speech, journalists, conscience, and the judiciary, adding that "God's justice is silent but certain."
The family members vowed to continue their protests outside Adiala Jail, with Aleema declaring: "If you want to kill us, we are ready to die. We do not accept slavery. This is not occupied Pakistan - every Pakistani has a right to this land, and we will name those who commit injustice."
