Imran Khan’s Sister Aleema Khan Arrested Ahead Of Planned PTI Protest

Aleema Khan, the sister of imprisoned former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, has been detained in Lahore ahead of a planned September 27 protest by his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. Authorities ordered her detention for 30 days, alleging that she was mobilising supporters and could contribute to public-order problems. PTI has condemned the detention as unlawful, while her family has demanded her release. The arrest comes amid heightened security preparations in Islamabad ahead of the planned protest demanding Imran Khan's release.

ALEEMA KHAN DETAINED IN LAHORE

Aleema Khan, the sister of imprisoned former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, has been arrested in Lahore ahead of a planned protest march by his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.
PTI officials said Khan was detained on Sunday, September 20, as the party prepares for a countrywide protest and march towards Islamabad on September 27, demanding the release of Imran Khan.
Reuters reported that she was arrested at her residence, while Pakistani media reported that she was later transferred to Kot Lakhpat Jail.
Lahore's district administration issued a 30-day detention order under Section 3 of the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance, commonly known as the MPO.
The order also named another man, Muhammad Ameer, for detention.

AUTHORITIES CITE PUBLIC SAFETY CONCERNS

According to the detention order, authorities relied on reports from police and intelligence officials in deciding to detain Aleema Khan.
The administration said her activities were considered a potential threat to public safety and the maintenance of public order.
The order also alleged that she had been mobilising PTI supporters through social media and public meetings and encouraging activity that could lead to disturbances.
These are allegations contained in the detention order and have not been established as criminal findings against her.
PTI has condemned the detention and described it as unlawful.

FAMILY DEMANDS HER RELEASE

Aleema Khan has been a prominent public voice calling for greater access to her brother and his release from prison.
Her family initially said they had no information about her whereabouts after she was taken into custody.
Her son, Shahrez Khan, called on the authorities to disclose her location and ensure her safety.
She has subsequently been reported to have been transferred to Kot Lakhpat Jail, where the detention order directs that she be held for 30 days.

ARREST COMES DAYS BEFORE PTI MARCH

The detention comes one week before the PTI's planned September 27 demonstration.
The party has called on supporters to march towards Islamabad as part of its campaign demanding the release of Imran Khan.
The government has indicated that it intends to prevent the protest from causing disruption.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the government would take measures to stop the planned march, while security preparations have included the deployment of shipping containers on roads around Islamabad.
The timing of Aleema Khan's detention has therefore drawn attention because of her prominent role in supporting her brother and communicating with PTI supporters.
However, authorities have formally cited public-order and security concerns as the basis for the 30-day detention.

PTI CONDEMNS THE DETENTION

PTI officials have strongly criticised the arrest.
Zulfi Bukhari, a close aide to Imran Khan, condemned the detention, while other party officials called for Aleema Khan's release.
The party has described the move as part of wider restrictions on its activities ahead of the September 27 protest.
The government's position is that the authorities have a responsibility to maintain public order and prevent potentially disruptive demonstrations.

WHO IS IMRAN KHAN?

Imran Khan, a former international cricket star, served as Pakistan's prime minister from 2018 until he was removed from office in 2022.
He has remained in prison since 2023 after being convicted in several cases.
His legal troubles have included cases involving state gifts, classified information and corruption allegations. Khan and his supporters have repeatedly rejected the allegations and argued that his prosecution is politically motivated.
He was sentenced to 14 years in prison in a land corruption case last year, one of the longest sentences imposed on him. His party continues to campaign for his release.

POLITICAL TENSIONS REMAIN HIGH

Aleema Khan's detention adds another point of tension between the government and PTI as the opposition party prepares for its September 27 protest.
The authorities' use of preventive detention powers has been criticised by PTI and opposition groups, while the government has pointed to maintaining public order as justification for its security measures.
The planned march could become a significant test of the government's approach to PTI demonstrations and the party's ability to mobilise supporters.
For now, Aleema Khan remains in detention under the 30-day order, while PTI supporters prepare for the planned protest in Islamabad.