Leaders and supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have called for demonstrations outside Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, demanding updated information on the health of the party’s founder, Imran Khan.
In response, district administrations in Rawalpindi and Islamabad have imposed Section 144 from 1 to 3 December to prevent gatherings.
According to Pakistan’s state broadcaster Geo News, the Rawalpindi deputy commissioner issued the order following a meeting of the District Intelligence Committee.
All types of assemblies, processions, rallies, and sit-ins have been banned in Islamabad for the three-day period. Officials say the restrictions aim to ensure public safety and prevent potential unrest.
Section 144 has also been enforced across the federal capital. The district administration stressed that no rallies, protests, or processions will be permitted during this time and warned of immediate legal action against any unlawful activity.
Citizens have been urged to avoid unauthorised gatherings or any activity that could disrupt public order.
Earlier, Imran Khan’s two sisters and senior PTI leaders were denied access to meet him inside the jail, sparking speculation regarding his safety. Rumours regarding his possible death began circulating on social media, prompting an immediate show of outrage and protest from supporters demanding proof of his wellbeing.
In a statement, prison authorities clarified that Imran Khan remains inside the jail and is in good health. They said family and party leader visits have been temporarily suspended due to security considerations.
However, PTI supporters and members of Khan’s family have rejected the explanation. With no verifiable update on his condition for three consecutive weeks, his two sons fear the authorities may be hiding “something irreversible.”
Kasim Khan told Reuters that despite having court-sanctioned weekly visitation rights, family members were not allowed direct access to their father. He said this raises questions about whether Imran has been moved from Adiala Jail to an undisclosed location or whether his health has deteriorated.
Following the Section 144 order, the PTI-led Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government warned that state machinery may be misused for political purposes. The central administration has instructed KP police to operate strictly within their legal and territorial jurisdiction.
In a directive sent to senior provincial officials, DIG Security Division Shakir Hussain Dawar said law enforcement personnel must maintain neutrality and cannot participate in any political activity. Officers have been prohibited from engaging with any political party or its demonstrations.
KP Chief Minister Soheil Afridi spent the night outside Adiala Jail after repeated requests to meet the imprisoned PTI founder were denied. He was later joined by Mahmood Khan Achakzai of Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP), Allama Raja Nasir Abbas of Majlis Wahdat-ul-Muslimeen (MWM), Mishal Yusufzai, Senator Gurdeep Singh, Senator Rubina Naz, MNA Zulfiqar Ahmed, and KP Information Minister Shafi Jan.
Authorities say the decision to impose Section 144 was taken due to concerns that the gathering outside the jail could draw larger crowds and potentially spiral beyond control.
