Police dispersed a sit-in near the Factory Checkpoint and Adiala Jail after clashes with protesters early Wednesday, deploying anti-riot units and water cannons filled with cold water mixed with chemicals to clear the area. Sisters of the PTI founder, Aleema Khan, Noreen Khan and Dr Uzma Khan, along with senior party leaders, reached near Adiala Jail on Tuesday for a scheduled family meeting amid heightened security. Security at Adiala Jail had been tightened, with additional police contingents deployed, water cannons stationed at Gate No 5, and barricades erected at multiple entry points, including Gorakhpur and the factory check-post. Markets in surrounding areas were shut down, petrol pumps closed, and schools were given the day off.Despite Tuesday being designated for family and lawyers’ visits, jail authorities informed Aleema Khan and senior PTI leadership at around 4pm that the meeting would not be allowed. Warning that the family would not disperse if the meeting was denied, Aleema Khan said, “If they do not allow the meeting, let them not. We are sitting here peacefully. Today, we have even brought blankets with us.”
Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas and Aleema Khan were caught in the water cannon spray late at night. Police also carried out arrests of protesters who had taken shelter in nearby streets, while some protesters reportedly retaliated with stone-pelting.
Police said the Adiala Road had been fully cleared, all barricades and containers removed, and traffic restored. Authorities confirmed that the operation had concluded and the protesters had dispersed.
Protest organisers said that at least 15 workers were arrested late at night and alleged that Shaukat Basra suffered a broken finger due to police action. They also said that police deflated the tyres of vehicles belonging to protest leaders, including Aleema Khan.
