Water Cannons rolled out again as PTI stages protest outside Adiala Jail

RAWALPINDI: Tensions flared again in the early hours of Wednesday when police used water cannons, and later batons, to forcibly disperse PTI activists staging a protest near Adiala jail, hours after Imran Khan’s family was denied a court-ordered meeting with him.

Police moved in around 2 AM at factory naka (barrier), where Imran’s sisters, party leaders and supporters had camped overnight. Protesters were first hit with water cannons and then chased away, with several workers detained. The exact number of arrests remains unclear.

PTI says the protest was triggered by what it calls the “blatant defiance” of an Islamabad High Court (IHC) order allowing Imran to meet family twice a week. Despite the ruling, Imran’s sisters;Aleema, Uzma and Noreen, and senior party figures say repeated attempts to see him have failed.

The party condemned the crackdown, alleging “chemical-laced” water was used, leaving protesters complaining of burning eyes and chest pain. Videos circulating online show drenched demonstrators and water cannons firing as police stand guard.

PTI called the operation “state brutality” and accused the government of trampling the Constitution and judiciary. Leaders warned the action would only fuel anger, vowing protests would continue until access to Imran Khan is restored.

This marks the second time in a week that water cannons have been used against PTI supporters outside the high-security prison.