Imran Khan health scare: Section 144 imposed in Rawalpindi as PTI plans massive protest
PTC News Desk: With rising worries about the health of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan in jail, his supporters are planning major protests today in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Khan, who has been imprisoned for nearly a month with no contact allowed, has raised serious concern among his followers.
In response, authorities have enforced Section 144 in both cities. The protests are expected to take place outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi—where Khan has been kept since August 2023—and at the Islamabad High Court. For the past three weeks, Khan’s family, including his two sons, along with PTI members, have been trying to meet him, but all requests have been denied. This has led to rumours that he may have died.
Ahead of the demonstrations, Islamabad has announced a two-month ban on public gatherings, while Rawalpindi has imposed a three-day restriction. The order in Islamabad bans all gatherings of more than five people, rallies and protests in public places, including the Red Zone.
"(It is) necessary to control such types of illegal activities which present a threat to public peace, tranquillity and maintenance of law and order," it said, adding that the ban will be lifted on January 18, 2026.
Khan is serving 14-year sentence on corruption charges, one of the many framed charges allegedly fabricated to keep him away from the politics- a charge that military denies.
Section 144 has been imposed in Rawalpindi due to imminent threats around sensitive areas, major roads and key infrastructure.
- With inputs from agencies
