RAWALPINDI: Like the past week, the sisters of jailed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding chairman Imran Khan, along with senior party leaders and workers, again staged a sit-in outside Adiala Jail on Tuesday after they were denied meeting with Khan. Tuesday has been designated as the visitation day for Khan’s family and legal team. However, his sisters — Aleema Khan, Dr. Uzma Khan and Noreen Khan — were barred from meeting with the PTI’s founding chairman. PTI’s interim chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, provincial ministers Meena Khan Afridi, Aqib Khan, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for Information and Public Relations, Shafi Jan, some Members of National Assembly (MNAs) and a large number of party workers joined the sit in Factory Naka. The demonstrators chanted slogans against the government and demanded Imran Khan’s release. Speaking to the media, Aleema Khan said that the delay in the scheduled Quran Khuwani [Quran recitation] occurred because roads leading to prison had been blocked. She said that barricade had been set up at various places and people were being stopped wherever they were, forcing them to hold Quran recitations on the spot. She alleged that Khan has been kept in solitary confinement, questioning what the authorities would gain by keeping him isolated. She said the continued solitary confinement shows that they are afraid of Khan. She said that Khan would speak about people’s freedom once he comes out. The country’s economy has been destroyed, Barrister Gohar, while talking to the media at the Dahgal checkpost near Adiala Jail, said that it was unfortunate that party leaders visit every Tuesday and the authorities did not allow them to meet Khan despite Islamabad High Court (IHC) orders. He said the sole purpose of these visits is to inquire about the well-being of Khan, but the issue of meetings is being deliberately politicized. He said that despite PTI’s efforts to improve the situation, attempts are being made from the other side to worsen it. He emphasized that the real strength of the PTI founding chairman lies in party workers, who remain steadfastly with Imran Khan, and that the public continues to stand by him despite enduring state pressure. Barrister Gohar said that a nationwide shutter-down strike will be observed across Pakistan on February 8. Clarifying other matters, he said no letter was written regarding Allama Nasir Abbas. He added that Imran Ismail had called him participation in the conference, but PTI would not be taking part. He stressed that party members may speak among themselves, and internal party matters should remain within the party. He explained that the reference to “begging” was made in the context of non-implementation of court orders. He noted that no meeting has taken place since February 25, and said that if meetings between the leader and his family had been allowed, the situation would have been different. Barrister Gohar said there is no disagreement within the party regarding a street movement, as PTI always operates with a clear strategy. He reiterated that the PTI founder’s true strength is the people, despite cases being registered against workers, who remain resolute. He said that the Speaker National Assembly Ayaz Sadiqu has announced that the assembly session will be held on January 12, and that PTI has completed all formalities regarding appointment of opposition leader. The interim PTI chairman further said there is no disagreement within PTI regarding Mahmood Khan Achakzai, appointment as opposition leader in the National Assembly and termed the Pakistan Peoples Party’s decision to welcome Sohail Afridi as a positive move. Salaman Akram Raja while talking to reporters said that earlier they used water cannon against the peaceful protesters and they have thrown dirty water during Quran Khuwani which is a Shameful act. To a question he said that he has not heard any statement about “five elders” and Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah should have explained it. He emphasized that no dialogue can move forward without Khan stating that it is not possible for just two, four, or five people to sit together and expect results, as such talks would amount to zero divided by zero. Raja further stated that those who are standing against the 27th and 26th constitutional amendments will be remembered in the history. Khan’s sister, PTI leaders and workers continued the sit-in till the filing of this report. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026