Rawalpindi police have registered a terrorism case against the sisters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, senior party leaders, and approximately 400 other individuals for staging a sit-in outside Adiala Jail. The case, filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) 1997, marks a significant escalation in the legal challenges facing the opposition party.
FIR Details and Named Accused
The First Information Report (FIR) was lodged at the Saddar Bairuni police station in Rawalpindi on Wednesday. It invokes Sections 7 and 21(I) of the Anti-Terrorism Act alongside multiple sections of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), including 324, 120B, 147, 188, 341, and 353.
Police stated that the protesters gathered on Kacheri Road near the prison, violating Section 144 which restricts public gatherings. The FIR specifically names 35 suspects, including Imran Khan's sisters Aleema Khan, Dr. Uzma Khan, and Noreen Niazi. Other prominent PTI figures named are:
- Qasim Khan
- Salman Akram Raja
- Aliya Hamza
- Naeem Panjutha
- Raja Asad Abbas
In addition to the named individuals, the report mentions around 400 unidentified persons. Authorities arrested 14 suspects at the scene, who were later presented before an anti-terrorism court. The FIR alleges that petrol bombs were used against law enforcement personnel during the demonstration.
Police Action and Protester Response
Earlier on Wednesday, police dispersed the demonstrators near the Factory Checkpost and Adiala Jail after clashes erupted. Anti-riot units deployed water cannons filled with cold water mixed with chemicals to clear the area. The protest began on Tuesday when Khan's sisters and senior PTI leaders arrived for a scheduled family meeting, which was reportedly denied.
Officials had heightened security at the prison, installing barricades at key points. During the dispersal operation late Tuesday night, Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas and Aleema Khan were caught in the water cannon spray. Police stated that some protesters responded by pelting stones. Authorities later confirmed that Adiala Road was cleared, barriers removed, and normal traffic restored.
Condemnation from Human Rights Bodies
The police action drew immediate condemnation from national and international rights organizations. The Human Rights Council of Pakistan (HRCP) strongly condemned the incident involving Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, whose turban was forcibly removed by the high-pressure water cannon. The HRCP termed it a violation of religious dignity, freedom of expression, and the right to peaceful assembly.
Amnesty International South Asia also raised serious concerns, stating that the repeated use of high-pressure water cannons against peaceful protesters constitutes a blatant violation of the right to assembly. The group highlighted the prolonged solitary confinement conditions of Imran Khan, referencing a UN Special Rapporteur's opinion that such conditions are unlawful and psychologically damaging. They further stated that denying family meetings and legal counsel breaches Pakistan's international commitments.
Political Context and Family Statements
Speaking to reporters, Aleema Khan stated that Imran Khan's demands focus on constitutionalism. "The founder's demand is the restoration of the Constitution, democracy and the rule of law," she said, questioning the repeated curbs on family visits to the former prime minister, who has been incarcerated for over two-and-a-half years.
In a related development, Imran Khan's son, Qasim Khan, announced that he and his brother Sulaiman are planning to visit Pakistan in January after applying for visas. In an interview with Sky News, Qasim rejected suggestions of seeking a deal for his father's release, stating, "This is his life. This really is his passion and his purpose... his life's mission to rid Pakistan of corruption."
Police have stated that further investigation is underway and more arrests are expected as remaining suspects are identified.
