RAWALPINDI – Police in Rawalpindi have taken Qasim Zaman, cousin of PTI founder Imran Khan, into custody. The incident occurred near Adiala Road on Tuesday.
Qasim Zaman had reportedly arrived in the area to meet Imran Khan at Adiala Jail. Tuesday was among the scheduled days for family meetings with the former prime minister. Police took Qasim into custody from the Gorakhpur checkpoint along Adiala Road.
After being detained, Qasim Zaman was initially taken to the Adiala police post. He was later shifted to Saddar Beruni Police Station, according to reports. The specific reason for his detention was not immediately known.
The development comes amid continued restrictions surrounding meetings with Imran Khan at Adiala Jail. Qasim had previously visited the jail to seek a meeting with his cousin. However, he was not allowed to meet him on an earlier occasion. Reports about restrictions on family meetings have continued in recent weeks. Imran Khan’s sisters, Aleema Khan, Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi, have also faced detention. They were taken into custody under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance.
The three sisters were later shifted to Kot Lakhpat Jail. Their detentions have been challenged before the Lahore High Court. Qasim Zaman had also spoken publicly about their situation.
In late September, Qasim claimed that the three sisters had been on hunger strike for 48 hours. He linked the reported protest to their detention and alleged treatment at the jail. The claim was also reported by multiple news outlets.
Qasim had said the family was concerned about the sisters’ condition. He also called for family meetings and access to legal counsel. The sisters’ detention and related legal proceedings remain subject to court decisions. The latest detention of Qasim Zaman comes as tensions remain high around PTI activities and access to Imran Khan. PTI supporters have also announced protest activities demanding his release.
Security measures have been increased around Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Containers and barriers have been placed on several major routes. Authorities have taken these steps amid planned PTI demonstrations.
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The latest development adds to the difficulties faced by Imran Khan’s family in arranging meetings with him. Police and jail authorities have not publicly provided a detailed explanation for Qasim Zaman’s detention at the time of reporting.
