Why Did PTI Protestors Outside Adiala Jail Face Water Cannons?
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Synopsis
In a tense standoff, PTI leaders and Imran Khan's sisters faced a harsh response from authorities during a protest outside Adiala Jail. Water cannons were used against peaceful demonstrators, raising concerns about the treatment of civilians and compliance with court orders. This incident highlights the ongoing political turmoil in Pakistan and the struggle for justice.
Key Takeaways
- Water cannons were used against peaceful protestors outside Adiala Jail.
- Imran Khan's sisters were denied visits, leading to the protest.
- The Islamabad High Court ordered regular meetings with Khan, which are allegedly being ignored.
- Amnesty International condemned the actions of the authorities.
- This incident highlights ongoing human rights concerns in Pakistan.
Islamabad, Dec 31 (NationPress) Members of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) along with the sisters of the party's founder and ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan were once again met with force, as water cannons were deployed to disperse them while they held a sit-in outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.
The protest occurred late on Tuesday evening after Imran's sisters were denied access to visit him during his ongoing incarceration at the Adiala facility.
Footage shared by the PTI's Punjab chapter on X (formerly Twitter) showed the water cannons being used against the demonstrators.
"In the harsh cold, an assault with water cannons was directed at peaceful, unarmed children, women, and citizens," the PTI stated.
The opposition coalition, Tehreek-i-Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP), also circulated the same video on social media, accusing the Punjab police of targeting "innocent and defenseless individuals" with the water cannons.
"Outside Adiala Jail, the reckless deployment of water cannons by the Punjab Police against innocent civilians affected Imran Khan's sisters, senior leaders of the TTAP, senior PTI officials, and numerous supporters who were impacted by the chemically-laced water. We will not be intimidated by the government's underhanded tactics nor will we be frightened," the party posted on X.
In a separate update on X, the TTAP announced the arrest of Imran's sisters—Aleema, Noreen, and Uzma—along with TTAP spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain Yousafzai, PTI MNA Shahid Khattak, PTI attorney Khalid Yousuf, and several others.
A video captured Aleema raising her fist in defiance as she was taken away in a police vehicle.
In a subsequent statement early Wednesday, the PTI confirmed Aleema's arrest but did not mention the other two sisters, noting she was taken toward Chakri, where she was later released.
The Islamabad High Court had previously ordered on March 24 that meetings with Imran be facilitated twice weekly, specifically on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
However, PTI claims that Pakistani authorities have failed to adhere to this ruling, as reported by the Pakistani daily Dawn.
The party has since organized sit-ins near the prison to demand visits with their leader, with the last two protests also being dispersed by water cannons.
Earlier this month, Amnesty International criticized Pakistani authorities for the recurrent use of high-pressure water cannons against "peaceful protesters" outside Adiala Jail.
"Such actions raise significant concerns regarding the safety of peaceful demonstrators and the authorities' disregard for the court order. Recently, the UN Special Rapporteur on torture condemned Khan's extended solitary confinement for 23 hours daily under poor conditions as unlawful and tantamount to psychological torture according to international standards," it stated.
Point of View
It is crucial to remain unbiased while reporting on the political climate in Pakistan. The recent deployment of water cannons against PTI protestors raises significant ethical issues concerning the treatment of peaceful demonstrators. It is essential to report these events accurately and impartially, reflecting the voice of the nation, while holding authorities accountable for their actions.
NationPress
01/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the protest outside Adiala Jail?
The protest was prompted by the denial of visits to Imran Khan by his sisters, leading PTI members to stage a sit-in outside the jail.
What actions did the police take during the protest?
The police used water cannons to disperse the protestors, which included women and children, raising concerns about their treatment.
What is the legal background regarding Imran Khan's meetings?
An order from the Islamabad High Court mandated that Imran Khan be allowed to meet visitors twice a week, but there have been allegations of non-compliance.
How has the international community reacted to these events?
Amnesty International has criticized the use of water cannons against peaceful protesters, raising concerns about human rights violations.
What does PTI plan to do moving forward?
PTI plans to continue organizing protests and demanding compliance with court orders regarding visits with Imran Khan.
