Rawalpindi. These days the government of Pakistan seems to be under pressure on both internal and external fronts. On one hand, there is economic distress and security challenges, while on the other hand, the jailed sisters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan have created new problems for the government and military leadership. Angered by not being able to meet their brother, Imran Khan’s sisters have once again started an open protest. The anger has further increased due to not being allowed to meet anyone again after a limited meeting of only 20 minutes. Due to this, Imran Khan’s sisters along with party workers and supporters have sat on a dharna near Adiala Jail and have indicated a long agitation.
Imran Khan’s sisters say that despite the clear orders of the court, the jail administration and the government are continuously obstructing the meeting. Islamabad High Court had ordered on March 24 that permission should be given to meet Imran Khan on Tuesday and Thursday every week. However, the party alleges that this order is not being followed regularly. The sisters say that the attitude of the jail administration towards the court’s decision raises questions and it seems as if the jail is above the law.
For the past several weeks, Alima Khan, Uzma Khan and Noreen Khan Niazi have been continuously trying to meet Imran Khan, but every time they have been disappointed. Recently, when permission was not given to meet, he along with party supporters staged a dharna. During this, water cannons were used to disperse the crowd, due to which the situation became more tense.
On Tuesday, once again Imran Khan’s sisters were seen marching towards the jail. They were stopped on the way, but they decided to sit there and protest. During the march, Alima Khan said that wherever she was stopped, she would sit there peacefully. He also made it clear that he is fully prepared for a long strike. In front of the media, he showed warm clothes and blankets and indicated that the protest could continue indefinitely.
A large number of party workers and supporters were present at the protest site, while tight security arrangements were also seen. Alima Khan said that her protest is neither illegal nor unconstitutional. They said that they are only demanding implementation of court orders and their basic rights. He alleged that the Constitution, democracy and rule of law are being weakened in the country, against which it has become a compulsion to raise voice. Alima Khan also raised questions on the current situation of the country. He said that the independence of the judiciary is being affected, unemployment is increasing due to closure of trade with Afghanistan and the security situation is continuously deteriorating. He also demanded from the government that the family should be informed about what political issues were discussed in the brief meeting between Imran Khan and his sister Uzma on December 2. He said that if political issues have been discussed then it should be discussed with the party leadership. This protest by Imran Khan’s sisters is no longer limited to just a personal meeting, rather it is becoming a direct question on the government’s policies and democratic processes. The eyes of the entire country are fixed on which direction this movement will take in the coming days.
