The political temperature in Pakistan rose again during the latest court hearing related to former prime minister Imran Khan

The political temperature in Pakistan rose again during the latest court hearing related to former prime minister Imran Khan, as senior constitutional lawyer Aitzaz Ahsan delivered strong remarks outside the court and warned about the direction of the country’s political system.

Speaking to reporters after the hearing, Aitzaz Ahsan said that the current political environment must not resemble the authoritarian atmosphere witnessed during the rule of former military ruler Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq. He stressed that democratic institutions should work according to the constitution and that political disagreements should be resolved through democratic and legal processes rather than pressure.

According to Ahsan, the judiciary has a crucial role in maintaining the balance between institutions and protecting constitutional rights. He said that when political leaders are placed behind bars and their political activities are restricted, it creates serious concerns about the strength of democracy. He urged the courts to ensure justice and transparency so that public confidence in the legal system remains intact.

After Aitzaz Ahsan’s remarks, the sisters of Imran Khan spoke to journalists outside the jail and expressed serious concerns about the treatment of their brother. They said that family members have faced difficulties in meeting him and demanded that jail authorities allow regular visits according to prison rules. They also raised questions about his health and insisted that an independent medical examination should be conducted to ensure his well-being.

The sisters said their demand was simple: that Imran Khan should receive the same legal and human rights that are guaranteed to every prisoner under Pakistani law. They expressed hope that the courts would protect the principles of justice and ensure transparency in the ongoing legal proceedings.

Inside the courtroom, lawyers representing Imran Khan presented arguments regarding his legal cases and conditions of detention. The defense team requested the court to examine whether prison authorities were following the proper regulations concerning legal access, family meetings, and medical care. The court listened to arguments from both sides and asked officials to respond to several issues raised by the defense lawyers.

Judges also observed that the law must be applied equally and that prison authorities must follow the regulations that protect the rights of detainees. While no immediate final order was announced during the hearing, the court indicated that it would review the reports and arguments presented before issuing further directions in the case.

Meanwhile, the political situation outside the courtroom also remained tense. According to supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, police used force a day earlier against PTI workers and women activists who had gathered to show support for the jailed party founder. Party members claimed that several women activists were pushed back and some workers were briefly detained during the police action.

PTI leaders strongly criticized the incident and demanded an investigation, stating that peaceful political gatherings should not be met with force. They argued that such actions increase political tensions and weaken democratic values in the country.

A number of PTI leaders and lawyers were also present outside the court premises during the hearing to express solidarity with Imran Khan. Among those seen were Omar Ayub Khan, Ali Muhammad Khan, Gohar Ali Khan, Salman Akram Raja, and Ali Zafar. These leaders briefly spoke to reporters and reaffirmed that the party would continue its legal and political struggle through constitutional means.

The ongoing legal battles involving Imran Khan have become one of the most significant political issues in Pakistan. Supporters believe the cases are politically motivated, while the government maintains that the matters are being handled strictly according to the law.

As court hearings continue and political tensions remain high, the coming weeks are likely to play an important role in shaping Pakistan’s political landscape. Observers believe that the decisions taken by the courts and the responses from political leaders will determine how the country moves forward in a period already marked by deep political divisions.