Imran Khan’s Sisters Booked Under Anti-Terror Law After Protest Outside Adiala Jail

Pakistan police have registered a case under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) against the sisters of former prime minister Imran Khan, along with several leaders and supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), following a protest sit-in outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.

According to police officials, the case was filed on Wednesday at Saddar Beroni police station after Khan’s relatives and party workers staged a demonstration outside the jail on Tuesday. The protest erupted after authorities denied permission for lawyers and family members to meet the jailed former premier.

The FIR names Aleema Khan and Noreen Niazi, along with PTI leaders including Salman Akram Raja, Naeem Panjotha, Qasim Khan, Aliya Hamza and Raja Nasir Abbas, among others. Police have invoked multiple provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act, along with Section 120 of the Pakistan Penal Code, alleging criminal conspiracy against the state.

Authorities also accused the protesters of attacking police personnel and violating Section 144, which prohibits public gatherings. Police said at least 14 individuals were arrested on the spot, while efforts are underway to apprehend others named in the case.

The move marks a further escalation of legal pressure on Imran Khan’s family and party amid heightened political tensions in Pakistan. Khan has been behind bars since August 2023, facing multiple cases that were filed after his removal from office in April 2022.

PTI leaders have repeatedly accused the authorities of deliberately restricting access to Khan, claiming that limitations on meetings are imposed under the pretext that such interactions are being used for political mobilisation. The last recorded meeting with Khan took place on December 2, when his sister Uzma Khan was permitted to see him.

The filing of anti-terror charges against Khan’s sisters has drawn sharp criticism from PTI supporters, who allege misuse of security laws to suppress dissent, while the government maintains that the action was necessary to maintain law and order.