PTI leaders say Qasim Zaman was taken into custody near Adiala Jail as family members and lawyers sought access to Imran Khan.
RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s cousin, Qasim Zaman, was taken into police custody near Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, according to multiple media reports.
The reported detention took place as family members and lawyers were scheduled to visit Imran Khan at Adiala Jail. According to reports, police took Zaman into custody from the Gorakhpur area near Adiala Road and initially shifted him to the Adiala police post.
Police sources said Zaman was later transferred to Saddar Beruni Police Station. The reason for his detention was not immediately clear, and no official explanation from police regarding the circumstances or any charges against him was available in the reports reviewed.
Zaman had arrived to meet Imran Khan and was taken into custody at the Gorakhpur checkpoint.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan strongly condemned the reported detention. Speaking to reporters near Adiala Road, Gohar said he had been informed that Zaman was picked up and described him as a non-political person who, according to him, had never made political statements.
Gohar was making contacts for Zaman’s release following the incident.
The reported detention comes amid continued restrictions on meetings with Imran Khan at Adiala Jail. In September, Zaman had reached the jail to meet his cousin but was not allowed to see him, according to reports at the time. He had waited at the jail but the meeting did not take place.
The latest development comes as PTI supporters continue a march toward Islamabad following the breakdown of negotiations between the party and the federal government. Reuters reported that the PTI-led march began from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Oct. 4, while authorities have tightened security around the capital.
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