Islamabad, Dec 23 (NationPress) Members of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) led by Imran Khan's sister Aleema Khan organized a sit-in protest at Factory Naka in Rawalpindi on Tuesday after being prevented from proceeding towards Adiala Jail to visit the imprisoned former Prime Minister, according to local news sources.

The prohibition on visits has persisted for weeks, leaving Imran Khan's family, PTI affiliates, and legal representatives unable to see him. Consequently, PTI leaders have been holding protests outside the prison every Tuesday and Thursday, the designated days for meetings with the PTI founder, as reported by Pakistan's prominent daily Dawn.

A livestream broadcast by PTI captured supporters marching towards the prison on Adiala Road before being halted by a riot fence. During the protest, Aleema Khan claimed that Imran Khan was being held in solitary confinement, asserting that the government was so intimidated by his message that they resorted to illegal actions, referencing the police presence at the site.

Aleema Khan expressed to reporters that authorities are keeping Imran Khan in prison out of fear. PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja emphasized that PTI's struggle is a nationwide fight for democracy and judicial independence. He described the cases against Imran Khan as “false” and the punishments as “unlawful and wrong”.

In a video released by PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on X, Aleema Khan stated, “Spray the water, fire the bullets, we are sitting here for our rights. Imran Khan's imprisonment and isolation are not acceptable to us.”

Imran Khan has been incarcerated since August 23, serving a 14-year sentence at Adiala Jail due to a £190 million corruption case and is also facing trials under the Anti-Terrorism Act in relation to the protests of May 9, 2023. His wife, Bushra Bibi, is also serving a seven-year sentence linked to the same corruption case.

Recently, Imran Khan called for nationwide protests and indicated his plan to contest the court's ruling in the Toshakhana-II case at the Islamabad High Court, as reported by Dawn. His statement followed a Pakistani court sentencing him and his wife to a combined 17 years in prison in relation to the Toshakhana-II case.

This case involves the acquisition of an expensive jewelry set gifted to Imran Khan by the Saudi Crown Prince during a state visit in May 2021, purchased at a minimal cost.

The verdict was issued by Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand of the special court of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) during proceedings held at Adiala Jail, where Imran Khan remains detained. Under the verdict, Imran Khan received a total of 17 years in prison: 10 years of rigorous imprisonment under various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code and an additional seven years under the Prevention of Corruption Act.