PTI Supporters Defy Section 144, Clash With Police Outside Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail

Last Updated:April 08, 2026, 01:15 IST

The Rawalpindi administration has imposed Section 144 till April 20. This 15-day mandate effectively bans all public gatherings, sit-ins, and rallies in the entire district

An almost siege-like situation unfurled in Pakistan’s Rawalpindi after supporters of Imran Khan’s party PTI defied Section 144 – ban on public gatherings, sit-ins, and rallies – outside Adiala Jail, where the former prime minister is lodged behind bars.

Visuals accessed by News18 purportedly showed “police atrocities" against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters and members, who were engaged in a tense confrontation with the authorities following an administrative crackdown to prevent them from gathering outside the jail premises.

The Rawalpindi administration has imposed Section 144 till April 20. This 15-day mandate effectively bans all public gatherings, sit-ins, and rallies in the entire district.

According to the deputy commissioner’s order, the restrictions are stringent specifically prohibiting the display of arms, use of loudspeakers, pillion riding, and delivery of any “objectionable or hate speeches". Security has been significantly bolstered around Adiala Jail and its surrounding entry points, with a heavy police presence deployed to ensure no supporters can gather.

Despite all of this, the PTI leadership said it is undeterred and called for a “peaceful protest" on Tuesday to challenge the increasing restrictions placed on visiting Imran Khan. The party consistently attempts to stage demonstrations every Tuesday and Thursday – the days designated by the court for Khan to receive visitors.

According to sources close to Imran Khan, the PTI views these administrative hurdles as a calculated political manoeuvre. Khan’s family members have argued that the “repeated limitations on meetings…are being used to politically sideline him and disrupt party coordination from jail".

Close aides said the protests are being positioned as a “major mobilisation point" intended to “revive street power and reassert Khan’s political relevance nationwide". The PTI leadership is walking a tightrope, attempting to mobilise its base while avoiding a total breakdown of order.

They said “instructions have been passed to cadres to avoid violent escalation but ensure street presence". But, maintaining this balance has proven difficult as reports have already emerged of clashes erupting near the jail.

News world PTI Supporters Defy Section 144, Clash With Police Outside Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail

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