Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s sisters—Aleema Khan, Noreen Khan Niazi, and Uzma Khan—staged a sit-in near Rawalpindi’s Factory Naka on Tuesday after being denied permission to meet him in Adiala jail, according to the Express Tribune. The protest, which began around 3:30 pm local time, continued into the night. Imran Khan’s family has repeatedly protested after being barred from meeting the former PM. Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were sentenced to 17 years in prison in the Toshakhana-II case.

Senior PTI leaders, including provincial president Junaid Akbar and Mushtaq Ghani, also joined the sit-in, the report noted. Speaking to the media, Aleema Khan said authorities prevent them from meeting her brother every Tuesday, claiming the administration fears him. She added that both Khan and Bushra Bibi are being held in solitary confinement and subjected to mental torture. Aleema also stated that the PTI founder had instructed preparations for protests, warning that anyone discussing negotiations would not represent the party.

Ahead of the protest, security was tightened in Rawalpindi on Sunday for gatherings by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and Jamaat-e-Islami at Liaquat Bagh. Over 1,300 police and security personnel were deployed across the city to maintain order, including two police superintendents, seven deputy superintendents, 29 inspectors, 92 upper subordinates, 340 constables, seven Elite Force commando sections, 22 Rapid Emergency and Security Operations personnel, and 400 Anti-Riot Management Wing members.