PTI cousin detained outside Adiala jail under MPO

PTI founder Imran Khan’s cousin, Qasim Zaman, was taken into custody outside Adiala jail on Tuesday after the Rawalpindi deputy commissioner ordered his detention for 30 days under the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance.

According to PTI, Zaman reached the Gorakhpur Naka near the prison at around 2:40pm to meet Imran Khan. Police detained him shortly after he informed jail officials that he had arrived to see the former prime minister and later shifted him to an undisclosed location.

The detention order issued by Rawalpindi DC Nadeem Nasir said police had accused Zaman of planning or encouraging unlawful gatherings, violence and speeches that could threaten public and private property. Authorities also alleged that his presence could disrupt public peace and prevent government officials from performing their duties.

The Rawalpindi District Intelligence Committee reportedly endorsed the police recommendation and called for Zaman’s detention to prevent alleged unlawful activities. The order placed his custody under the supervision of the superintendent of Central Jail, Rawalpindi. It also stated that Zaman could appeal the detention to the Punjab Home Department.

Zaman had been visiting Adiala jail to meet Imran after the former premier’s sisters were detained under the MPO. The Islamabad High Court has previously allowed Imran to meet his family, lawyers and associates twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

PTI lawyer Awais Younas Chaudhry said several lawyers, including party chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, also reached the prison but were not allowed to meet Imran.

Chaudhry termed the restrictions a violation of the IHC’s directions. He said Zaman’s detention was particularly concerning because he had gone to the prison to meet Imran under the existing court arrangements.

The Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-Ayin-i-Pakistan also condemned the detention, calling it political victimisation and a violation of constitutional and human rights. The alliance demanded Zaman’s immediate release and argued that detaining people because of their relationship with Imran was unlawful.

Imran has remained in prison since 2023. His sisters Aleema Khan, Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi have also previously faced detention under the MPO.