Authorities in Rawalpindi placed the city on high alert and imposed Section 144 for 72 hours as anxiety grew over the condition of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
The move came while Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters prepared for large-scale demonstrations near Adiala Jail and outside the Islamabad High Court.
Deputy Commissioner Dr Hassan Waqar Cheema signed the emergency order late Friday after intelligence alerts warned of possible attempts to trigger unrest. Consequently, officials cautioned that large gatherings could quickly spiral given the political tension surrounding Khan’s health.
City on Edge as PTI Mobilises
Roads leading to Adiala Jail remained sealed, and police checkpoints appeared at several entry points. Meanwhile, PTI leaders, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, accused the government of blocking every request to meet Khan. Afridi, who staged a protest outside the jail earlier this week, warned of nationwide demonstrations if authorities continued withholding information.
Soon after, the situation escalated when unverified social media posts claimed Khan had been harmed in custody. Furthermore, a statement attributed to a Balochistan official fueled speculation by alleging an assassination plot, though no government department confirmed the claim.
At the same time, Khan’s three sisters staged a sit-in near the prison, insisting they had been denied communication with him for nearly a month. PTI submitted a list of six lawyers seeking immediate permission to meet Khan. In addition, Khan’s sons told Reuters the family had “no verifiable proof” of his well-being and feared something “irreversible” was being concealed, describing the silence as “psychological torture.”
Section 144 Restrictions in Rawalpindi
Under the order, authorities banned the following actions until December 3:
- Gatherings of five or more people, including rallies, marches, sit-ins, vigils, and public meetings
- Carrying weapons or hazardous items such as batons, petrol bombs, or explosives
- Display of firearms except by law enforcement
- Removal or damage to police barriers and checkpoints
- Pillion riding on motorcycles
- Use of loudspeakers for any purpose
- Provocative speeches or demonstrations near key installations
Therefore, uncertainty over Khan’s health combined with PTI’s push for access has left Rawalpindi tense, bracing for confrontation in the days ahead.
