Authorities in Lahore have detained Aleema Khanum, the sister of jailed former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, days before his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party plans to hold a major protest.
A PTI Punjab spokesperson and a police official confirmed Khanum’s arrest on Sunday. The party called the detention unlawful and urged the government to release her immediately.
According to an order signed by Lahore’s deputy commissioner, Khanum is to be held for 30 days. The document accuses her of using social media and public gatherings to rally Khan’s supporters and warns that her activities could trigger unrest. The order further cites intelligence reports claiming that Khanum’s appearance in public could endanger public safety. She has been among the most outspoken figures campaigning against her brother’s imprisonment, frequently addressing PTI supporters and speaking with journalists.
Her son, Shahrez Khan, said earlier that the family had been unable to reach her. He called on officials to reveal where she was being held and to guarantee her safe return.
The detention comes as PTI prepares for a protest march scheduled for September 27. The party has asked supporters to travel toward Islamabad, where they are expected to demand Khan’s release.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has warned that the government will use every necessary measure to prevent the demonstration. Zulfi Bukhari, a senior ally of Khan, denounced Khanum’s arrest.
However, in Islamabad, authorities have begun positioning shipping containers along roads as they reinforce security around government offices and other sensitive sites.
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