Pakistan former PM Imran's sisters start 'hunger strike' in jail

Three sisters of jailed former prime minister and Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan — Aleema, Uzma and Noreen — have gone on hunger strike in Adiala Jail Rawalpindi, one of their relatives claimed.

Imran Khan’s cousin Qasim Zaman, who tried to meet the ex-premier tried but was not allowed to do so.

Similarly, interim PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali and Imran Khan’s lawyers also reached Adiala Jail, but were also not permitted to meet their client.

Zaman alleged that Imran Khan’s sisters have started their hunger strike due to misbehaviour with them during their detention.

Reports of their being on hunger strike had been circulating, but this was the first time that a family member has confirmed the claims.

PTI lawyer Awais Younas Chaudhry said a family member reached Adiala Jail and waited there for hours, but was not allowed to meet the PTI founder.

"It is tragic that the jail administration has been violating orders of the Islamabad High Court and Supreme Court of Pakistan but courts appear to be helpless,” he said.

This is the first time that all the three sisters of Imran Khan have been put under detention for their activities, aimed at mobilising the PTI workers and activists for the party’s long march on Islamabad demanding the former prime minister’s release. Once the long march is over or is cancelled by the PTI, the three elderly ladies will be quickly released.

On Tuesday, the Punjab government has informed the Lahore High Court (LHC) that imprisoned Imran Khan's sister, Aleema, had been provided basic facilities and all essential items during her detention at Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore.

However, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja has questioned the detention of Imran Khan's three sisters, saying they were being deprived of fundamental rights without any specific charges and urged courts to order their immediate release.