The Incident in Rawalpindi
Police in Pakistan’s garrison city of Rawalpindi have said that the women involved in throwing eggs at Aleema Khan, the sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, were themselves affiliated with PTI.
The incident occurred in the Dahgal area on Wednesday, where Aleema Khan was addressing a press conference. Eyewitnesses reported that a group of women entered the venue carrying placards and chanting slogans related to their demands.
According to police officials, the protest was initially peaceful. However, when the women attempted to question Aleema Khan and did not receive a response, the situation escalated. Two of the women then hurled eggs at her, drawing immediate attention and leading to a disruption of the event.
Police Response and Detentions
Police officers present at the scene quickly intervened and detained the women. A police spokesperson later confirmed that the women were taken into custody for questioning.
Authorities said the protesters had traveled from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and were members of the All Government Employees Grand Alliance (AGEGA) and the All Pakistan Clerks Association (APCA). Both groups have been staging demonstrations in recent months to demand better salaries, pensions, and job security for public sector workers.
“Some of the protesters confronted Aleema Khan during her press conference. When she did not respond to their questions, two women lost their temper and threw eggs at her,” the spokesperson said.
Political Implications
The statement that the detained women were PTI supporters has added a political dimension to the episode. Aleema Khan, though not formally active in party leadership, is often seen representing her brother Imran Khan in various forums.
Observers note that the incident highlights internal strains within PTI, which has faced multiple challenges since its government ended in April 2022. The party has struggled with legal cases against its leadership, defections of senior figures, and difficulties in mobilizing consistent street support.
That women associated with PTI reportedly targeted a close family member of the party’s founder has fueled speculation of growing dissatisfaction within party ranks, particularly among workers who feel their grievances have gone unheard.
Protest Movements and Workers’ Demands
Public sector employees in Pakistan have frequently staged demonstrations over pay and working conditions. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, inflation in July 2023 stood at over 28 percent year-on-year, one of the highest rates in the region.
Rising living costs have placed enormous strain on government employees, especially lower-grade clerks and support staff. Unions such as AGEGA and APCA have organized several rallies in Islamabad and provincial capitals to press for higher wages, reduced pension cuts, and improved job security.
Their participation in the Rawalpindi protest underlines the continuing wave of discontent among workers who argue that their demands have not been prioritized by political leaders, regardless of party affiliation.
Aleema Khan’s Role
Aleema Khan has largely maintained a low political profile compared to her brother Imran Khan. A textile businesswoman by profession, she is occasionally seen at court hearings, charitable events, or press briefings.
She has previously emphasized her involvement in philanthropic activities rather than party politics. However, given her proximity to PTI’s founder, incidents involving her often draw media attention and quickly become politicized.
Public and Media Reaction
The egg-throwing episode has stirred lively debate across social media platforms in Pakistan. Some users criticized the act as disrespectful and counterproductive, while others viewed it as an expression of frustration by marginalized groups.
Commentators have also questioned the police’s swift assertion that the women belonged to PTI, suggesting that such statements risk deepening political divisions.
Political analysts argue that whether the women were acting on personal grievances or broader union demands, the incident illustrates the volatile intersection of protest movements and partisan politics in Pakistan.
What Happens Next?
Police have not yet confirmed whether formal charges will be filed against the detained women. Investigations are ongoing, and officials say further statements will be issued once questioning concludes.
Meanwhile, political observers suggest the episode could intensify scrutiny on PTI’s internal cohesion as well as the government’s handling of labor unrest. With Pakistan continuing to face severe economic pressures, more protests by public employees are expected in the coming months.
