Shehbaz Sharif in Big Trouble: Section 144 imposed in Rawalpindi as Imran Khan supporters brace for mega protest – What’s next for Pakistan?

Rawalpindi: Amid circulating rumours about the deteriorating health and possible death of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, the Shehbaz Sharif-led government has imposed Section 144 in Rawalpindi. The decision has been taken amid planned protests by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders and supporters who are demanding access to Khan. As per an order undersigned by the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Dr Hassan Waqar Cheema, Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (Punjab Amendment) Act, 2024 has been imposed in the city for the next three days, starting from December 1 to December 3.

Imran Khan’s Son Fears Father Is In Death Cell, Says Something Irreversible Is Being Hidden

After Imran Khan’s sisters, his son Kasim Khan accused the Adiala Jail authorities of doing ‘something irreversible’ to his father amid the ongoing speculation about his physical and psychological condition inside the jail. During an interview with news agency Reuters, Kasim revealed that his family has no direct or verifiable contact with his father, despite a court’s order that allows them a weekly meeting. He said that the family has no verified information about Imran Khan’s condition.

What Did Imran Khan’s Kasim Say?

“Not knowing whether your father is safe, injured or even alive is a form of psychological torture,” he said in written remarks, adding that there had been no independently confirmed communication for a couple of months,” Reuters quoted Kasim as saying.

Kasim Revealed Family’s Greatest Fear

Kasim revealed his family’s greatest fear that something irreversible is being hidden from the family. Kasim, along with his elder brother Suleiman Isa Khan, lives with their mother, Jemima Goldsmith, in London. His mother is not involved in politics and she has kept her sons away from Pakistan’s dynastic politics, knowing the repercussions.

Kasim told Reuters that the last time they met their father was three years ago in November 2022 when they visited Pakistan following Khan’s survival from an assassination attempt.

What Did The Adiala Jail Authorities Say About Imran Khan’s Condition?

It is worth noting that Imran Khan’s family has been repeatedly demanding access for the former Pakistan PM’s personal physician, who hasn’t been allowed to examine him since 2024.

Meanwhile, a jail official assured Reuters that Imran Khan is in good health, bypassing the question regarding any plan to move Khan to a higher-security facility.

There is growing controversy over Imran Khan’s health because officials are not clearly revealing the conditions in which he is being held.

Pakistan May Allow Conditional Meeting Between Imran Khan And Sister

The former Prime Minister’s sister is likely to meet him on Tuesday, December 2. She is expected to visit the Adiala Jail to meet Khan. Authorities have imposed section 144 – which bans public gatherings – in Rawalpindi. The development came amid the growing pressure from the public, political and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters on the Shehbaz Sharif-led government.

Pakistan May Allow Conditional Meeting Between Imran Khan And Sister

According to a report by CNN-News18, citing sources close to Imran Khan, the authorities of Adiala Jail have allowed the former Pak PM’s sister – Uzma – and his lawyer to meet Khan. The meeting will be held under a strict gag order under which Khan’s sister is prohibited from sharing information on social media, hinting at Shehbaz’s government’s attempts to tightly manage information flow.

The meeting has come following the leaked information about Imran Khan’s physical and psychological condition, which triggered massive unrest in Pakistan. The government is also under pressure after Khan’s family, specially his sisters and son, started reacting to the rumours about his health.

The leaked information about Imran Khan’s physical condition has triggered mass unrest similar to the May 9, 2023, unrest after his arrest.

What Section 144 Imposed In Rawalpindi

It is to be noted that the Adiala Jail have become the hotbed of protest these days following the rumours about Imran Khan’s health that started flooding the internet. The growing unrest has prompted Punjab provincial authorities to impose Section 144 in Rawalpindi, an attempt to stop mass gathering of people.

Imran Khan’s Family Protest Outside Adiala Jail

Notably, Khan’s three sisters, along with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM Sohail Afridi and PTI activists, have been sitting outside the Adiala jail for the past few days. This has put tremendous pressure on the Shehbaz Sharif government and has made headlines all over.

Imran Khan’s party has recently announced a fresh protest outside the Islamabad High Court and the Adiala Jail today.

The establishment is especially concerned that Imran Khan’s sister or his lawyers might reveal any signs of custodial mistreatment or torture during isolation to the public, according to sources.