Amid growing rumors regarding the condition and alleged death of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, and concerns over possible unrest, authorities in Rawalpindi have imposed Section 144 to prohibit public gatherings. The decision was taken ahead of a protest announced by Imran Khan’s political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which has been demanding verifiable information about the detained leader’s safety and health.
According to an order signed by Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Dr. Hassan Waqar Cheema, Section 144 will remain in force from December 1 to 3. During this three-day period, all kinds of public gatherings—including protests, rallies, sit-ins, marches, and processions involving five or more people—will be strictly prohibited.
The order further bans carrying weapons, sticks, harmful objects, petrol bombs, explosives, using loudspeakers, breaking police barricades, delivering provocative speeches, and pillion riding on motorcycles. Authorities say these restrictions are essential to maintain law and order.
The notification states that the district faces “an imminent threat,” and intelligence reports indicate that various groups may attempt to destabilize the situation through large-scale gatherings. Sensitive installations and “soft targets” may also be at risk of targeted violence.
Uncertainty Surrounding Imran Khan’s Condition
Imran Khan has been imprisoned at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail since his arrest in August 2023. He has repeatedly claimed that the charges against him are politically motivated. His family, however, says the situation has taken a darker turn—no family member has been allowed to meet him for over a month despite court directives.
Speaking to Reuters, Imran Khan’s son, Qasim Khan, described the situation as “psychological torture.”
“We do not know if he is safe, injured, or even alive. Not having any information at all is unbearable,” Qasim said.
He added that weekly family meetings had been suspended without explanation, and their communication had been completely cut off for several months.
Qasim earlier alleged that his father was being held in a “death cell,” isolated from all human contact. The family fears that the authorities may be concealing critical information regarding the former prime minister’s health.
PTI’s Protest Plans and Government Crackdown
PTI’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chapter had announced a protest outside the Islamabad High Court on December 2, demanding proof of the former premier’s well-being. In response, Islamabad’s administration also imposed Section 144, banning all forms of public gatherings in the capital city.
Authorities emphasized that no protest or assembly would be allowed, and security forces would remain on high alert throughout the announced period. Any violation of the emergency order would result in immediate legal action, the advisory said.
Repeated Denial of Prison Visits Sparks Outrage
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohaib Afridi reportedly tried eight times to visit Imran Khan in Adiala Jail but was denied entry each time. On November 26, after another failed attempt, he staged a 16-hour sit-in on Adiala Road in protest.
PTI leaders claim that despite explicit judicial orders, routine visitation rights for Imran Khan’s family and legal team have been blocked, which they argue constitutes a clear violation of human rights.
