Authorities Criticised As PTI Alleges Water Cannon Attack On Protesters In Pakistan

Demonstrators gathered outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, where Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) alleged that authorities used water cannons to disperse protesters.

Included in the sit-in were Imran Khan’s sisters and party workers, seeking to meet the former Prime Minister. Reportedly, the court had approved the meeting, but officials allegedly blocked access.

Video evidence shared on X by PTI showed water cannons being used, forcing protesters to flee the scene.

Described as a ‘brutal crackdown’, the party called the incident a violation of human rights and freedom of assembly in freezing weather.

Condemning the move, PTI Islamabad criticised the Punjab Police’s conduct, calling it a ‘fascist action’.

Highlighting the severe cold, the party stated that attacks on peaceful workers would neither suppress their voices nor lower morale.

Allegedly, the sit-in resulted from authorities denying Imran Khan’s family access to him.

Further, PTI claimed the use of water cannons was ‘not only a violation of Imran Khan’s prisoner rights but also an assault on constitutional rights’.

Urging international human rights organisations, the party asked them not to remain silent over ‘inhumane and authoritarian actions in Pakistan’.

Family Protest and Allegations of Illegal Denial

Beginning on Tuesday, Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan and PTI members started the sit-in after officials denied them access to the former Prime Minister.

Alleging legal violations, Aleema insisted PTI had not committed any illegal acts. Mentioning health concerns, she said Imran Khan had been denied access to his personal physician for 14 months.

Currently, the former Prime Minister has been in prison since August 2023, facing multiple corruption and terrorism cases following his ouster via a no-confidence motion in 2022.

Recently, Imran Khan filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court requesting medical examinations at Shaukat Khanum Hospital within three days.

Submitted through Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, the plea requested monthly check-ups and full access for medical teams.

Ensuring transparency, the petition also sought that reports be shared with his family and the court.

Highlighting concerns about his health, the plea stressed that Imran Khan’s medical care must follow his health history and current condition while in custody.

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