Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, once again staged a protest outside Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, alleging that her brother is being kept in “isolated and unlawful conditions.” The renewed demonstration highlights not only the intensifying political turmoil in Pakistan but also the extent to which state institutions are perceived as tools for silencing dissent rather than upholding justice.

Aleema Khan said that Imran Khan is “isolated and denied basic rights,” accusing authorities of restricting access, blocking communication, and deliberately targeting him with harsh prison protocols. Her complaints echo concerns raised by rights groups and political observers who say Pakistan’s justice system is increasingly shaped by political engineering rather than legal fairness.

The protest also underscores the erosion of Pakistan’s democratic framework. Instead of addressing public grievances, the government continues to rely on heavy-handed tactics tight security cordons, media censorship, and selective arrests to intimidate opponents. The fact that the sister of a former prime minister feels compelled to protest outside a jail, repeatedly, reveals a system that has lost both legitimacy and public trust.

For many Pakistanis, the scene outside Adiala Jail has become symbolic of a country spiraling deeper into authoritarianism. Political vendettas dominate national discourse, the military establishment exerts undeniable influence over civilian governance, and courts appear inconsistent in their treatment of different political actors. Imran Khan’s incarceration, whether justified or not, is now widely viewed as part of a broader pattern of suppressing political rivals rather than ensuring due process.

Aleema Khan’s protest also reflects the growing frustration with Pakistan’s collapsing institutions. As the country grapples with economic crisis, rising extremism, and international isolation, its leaders remain fixated on silencing critics instead of governing responsibly. The crackdown on political voices has become so routine that even peaceful demonstrations outside a prison are treated as a security threat.

What happened at Adiala Jail is not an isolated incident it is a reminder of how deeply Pakistan’s political apparatus has deteriorated. With governance faltering and accountability absent, the ruling elite appears determined to maintain power by force rather than by earning public trust. Aleema Khan’s continued protests highlight a stark truth: Pakistan’s democracy is no longer fragile; it is fractured.

This image is taken from The Stateman.