Pakistan’s political tensions have risen again around former Prime Minister Imran Khan, founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). PTI’s long march toward Islamabad demanding Khan’s release from prison was postponed at the last minute from Sept. 27 to Oct. 4. Before that, Khan’s three sisters, Aleema Khan, Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi, were detained. Heavy security in Islamabad, roadblocks and arrests of PTI workers have further raised tensions.
Khan has been in prison since 2023 and is being held at Adiala Jail after convictions in several cases. His party and family have long demanded his release, better medical care and regular meetings with relatives. The government has denied allegations that Khan has been mistreated, kept in solitary confinement or denied medical care. Pakistan’s Information Ministry said in August that Khan, as a convicted prisoner, was receiving necessary treatment and had met family members, lawyers and doctors many times.
The latest major dispute over Khan’s health came in August. After his family raised concerns including eye problems, Pakistan’s Supreme Court on Aug. 18 ordered authorities to take him to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad, involve his personal doctor in his treatment, allow regular family meetings and permit phone calls with his two sons, Sulaiman and Qasim. The court also called for an examination by a multidisciplinary medical board.
A new dispute followed over implementation of the order. Instead of taking Khan to Shifa International Hospital, the Pakistan government had him examined at night at the state-run Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad and sent him back to Adiala Jail the next morning. The government said the decision was made for security reasons. Officials later said doctors had examined him and found him fit to be returned to prison.
Khan’s family and PTI have meanwhile alleged that court-ordered access for regular visits and communication has not been fully implemented. In early September, the Islamabad High Court directed Adiala jail authorities not to keep Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in solitary confinement. The court also ordered arrangements for family visits and phone contact with Khan’s sons.
In August, after a long gap, Khan was allowed to meet his sister Noreen and his wife, Bushra Bibi. His family and PTI later alleged that his sisters were again blocked from visiting him. Despite court orders, Khan’s sisters were again unable to see him in early September.
The latest major confrontation over Khan centers on PTI’s planned long march toward Islamabad. The party had announced a large rally in Islamabad on Sept. 27, with Khan’s release as the main demand. Before the program, the government placed containers at entry points to the capital, deployed security forces and tightened controls on several roads. About 35 thousand security personnel were deployed in Islamabad, and hundreds of PTI workers were detained in recent days.
The Islamabad High Court also issued an important ruling on PTI’s proposed long march. The court said no political party, leader or provincial government could occupy roads, highways or entry points to the capital in a way that disrupts ordinary movement, medical services or education.
Amid the tension, Khan’s three sisters were detained. Aleema Khan was first detained in Lahore. Authorities then detained Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi. They were ordered held for 30 days under Pakistan’s Maintenance of Public Order law. PTI and their lawyers challenged the detention in court. The Lahore High Court did not immediately suspend the detention orders but issued notices to the relevant authorities.
PTI sees the arrests of Khan’s sisters as part of pressure on its leader. The Pakistan government and security authorities say measures are needed to protect law and order and public safety because of the planned large protest in Islamabad. The two sides’ accounts remain sharply opposed.
The Sept. 27 program ultimately did not take place. PTI announced on Sept. 25 that the Islamabad-bound long march was being postponed until Oct. 4. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister and PTI leader Sohail Afridi said the plan is to begin the long march from Peshawar on the new date. The government continues to oppose a march toward the capital.
Before the march was delayed, there were also reports of several behind-the-scenes contacts between PTI and the authorities. More than half a dozen back-channel meetings were held over the past four to five weeks. Possible understandings discussed included PTI withdrawing its program and ways to reduce political tensions. No agreement was ultimately reached. The information was reported based on accounts from relevant sources.
Earlier discussions had also raised possible concessions over Khan’s treatment and the status of his wife, Bushra Bibi. But a lack of mutual trust between PTI and the government remains a major obstacle.
Khan’s son Qasim Khan has also expressed concern about the situation. Before the Sept. 27 program, he urged supporters not to go near Adiala Jail. He feared that a large gathering near the jail could further inflame the situation and put his father’s safety at risk.
Under the current circumstances, Khan remains in prison, but the political conflict around him has not stopped. His health, prison facilities, family visits, implementation of court orders and PTI’s political programs have become linked, prolonging Pakistan’s political crisis.
PTI now faces the new date of Oct. 4. How the program is carried out, what security measures the government takes in the capital and whether any political understanding emerges between the authorities and Khan’s family and party will be key questions in the days ahead. Khan remains in Adiala Jail, and PTI’s movement demanding his release continues.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report