Journalists condemn police handling of Imran Khan’s sisters

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 19 November 2025 |  JP Staff Report

Journalists in Pakistan have expressed outrage over the alleged rough treatment of Imran Khan's sisters. The incident has raised serious concerns about police conduct and accountability.

Summary

ISLAMABAD — Journalists and media professionals have strongly condemned the alleged roughing up of former prime minister Imran Khan’s sisters, including Noreen Niazi, late Tuesday night outside Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf said police forcibly detained and pushed the women after they were denied their routine weekly meeting with the party founder.

Media outrage and global concerns

Mehr Bukhari and Asma Shirazi called the incident shameful, while Hamid Mir warned that such inhumane treatment was damaging Pakistan’s global image. He said diplomats were finding it increasingly difficult to defend these actions at public forums abroad.

Siddique Jan questioned what he described as double standards, referring to recent scrutiny of Pakistani journalist Shahzeb Khanzada in Canada and arguing that narratives shift depending on political alignments.

Disturbing visuals and calls for accountability

Ajmal Jami termed the situation painful and deeply condemnable, sharing visuals of a distressed Noreen Niazi. Similar concerns were raised by Waseem Badami and Asad Toor, who denounced the use of force against the women.

Arif Hameed Bhatti criticized the treatment of Noreen, emphasizing her roles as a mother, daughter, and sister, and noting she was present under court orders. Murtaza Ali Shah alleged she was thrown to the ground.

Alina Shigri questioned the Punjab government’s surveillance claims, while Shakir Mehmood Awan posted footage of chaos and cries outside the jail, comparing the distress to a historical tragedy. Azaz Syed also called the scenes tragic, and Tariq Mateen criticized what he described as selective outrage and silence from prominent political figures.