The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership in Sindh on Wednesday strongly denounced an alleged physical assault on the sisters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, describing the event as a severe breach of law and human rights, and announced a nationwide protest to be held on November 21.
At a press conference at Insaf House in Karachi, PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh detailed the incident, stating that Imran Khan’s sisters were visiting their brother when they were reportedly manhandled. He claimed Noreen Aapa was dragged and Alima Khan was assaulted before being forcibly removed and abandoned.
Sheikh characterized the episode as a ‘blatant example of fascism,’ asserting that such targeting of women indicates a moral decline and weakness within the state. ‘There is neither rule of law nor respect for the constitution in our country,’ he stated, adding that the party is preparing a course of action to seek accountability.
He issued a warning that those responsible must face immediate punishment, or “the nation will take matters into its own hands.” Sheikh accused the police of abusing their authority under the direction of provincial leadership.
In a major announcement, Sheikh declared that PTI, in collaboration with all parties in the ‘Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Aaeen Pakistan’ (Movement for the Protection of the Constitution), will stage demonstrations across the country on Friday, November 21. Participants plan to wear black ribbons at press clubs and hold peaceful rallies to defend constitutional and human rights.
The party president also highlighted the prolonged imprisonment of Imran Khan, which he said has reached 837 days. He listed numerous other party leaders, including Bushra Bibi, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Yasmin Rashid, and Umar Ayub, who he said have been jailed or sentenced in “fabricated cases.”
Sheikh criticized the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments, arguing they have undermined judicial and constitutional supremacy. ‘Even when courts grant permission for visitation, jail officials have blatantly ignored judicial orders,’ he remarked.
Supporting the condemnation, PTI Central Deputy Secretary Information Azhar Laghari alleged that both male and female police officers had subjected women and children to violence. Arslan Khalid, the party”s Karachi General Secretary, stated that the incident betrayed the vision of Pakistan”s founders.
Faheem Khan, a senior party official, described the event as an extreme example of oppression and criticized the 27th constitutional amendment as being against the public interest.
Leaders of the PTI Women Wing, Serina Khan and Fizza Zishan, called the incident “the height of lawlessness” and a “black day” in history, respectively, urging human rights organizations to take a stand.
Following the press conference, members of the PTI women’s wing held a demonstration at the Karachi Press Club, carrying placards condemning the alleged abuse and demanding the release of Imran Khan.