RAWALPINDI: As another attempt by Imran Khan’s sisters to meet him at Adiala jail remained futile on Tuesday, they along with PTI leaders and supporters staged a protest near the prison.

Police sprayed water at Factory Naka, where an anti-riot fence had been erected to prevent PTI leaders and supporters from moving forward.

However, after waiting for the water to dry, the protesters staged a sit-in at the site.

Later, Mr Khan’s three sisters, Aleema Khan, Uzma Khan, and Noreen Khan, along with their supporters, held a sit-in at Factory Naka amid a heavy police presence.

Allama Nasir Abbas Raja and Mehmood Khan Achakzai also reached the protest site later.

Achakzai says the opposition alliance is ready for talks on dissolution of assemblies, protection of political parties

The PTI leadership had provided a list of lawyers approved to meet Imran Khan in accordance with the Islamabad High Court’s order.

The approved lawyers included Gohar Ali Khan, Salman Akram Raja, Ali Zaman, Waqas Raza Khan, Malik Faraz, and Sophia Noreen. A letter written by Salman Akram Raja was sent to the superintendent of Central Jail Adiala, Abdul Ghafoor Anjum.

Speaking to the media, Mr Achakzai, head of the Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) and chairman of the Pashtoo­nkhwa Milli Awami Party, said they were not against anyone and wanted a strong army. He added that the army should function in the same manner as armies in other countries.

He stated that those who won were “defeated”, while those who lost were “made victorious”. If anyone wanted to talk about Feb 8 elections, he said they were ready. The protection of political parties must also be part of such process, he said, adding that any talks should be held in accordance with the Constitution, ensuring the protection of political parties.

Dissolution of assemblies

Mr Achakzai said discussions would include whether the current parliament should be dissolved. Talks would also focus on establishing an interim government, which would appoint an election commissioner, followed by general elections.

He further announced that a protest had been planned for Feb 8, during which workers across Pakistan would raise their voices in their respective areas. Traders, rickshaw pullers, and trade unions would also be involved in the protest.

The TTAP leader said they demanded the reconstruction of a democratic Pakistan.

He questioned why the founder’s sisters coming to meet him should be an issue, asking if the sky would fall. He regretted that despite clear court orders permitting meetings with the incarcerated PTI founder, water cannons were still being used.

Published in Dawn, January 7th, 2026