Aleema Khan detained before PTI's September 27 protest for Imran Khan

Aleema Khan was detained in Lahore ahead of PTI's September 27 protest for Imran Khan's release. The move has intensified criticism of Pakistan's use of public order laws against dissent.

In Short

• She was moved to Kot Lakhpat jail under public order law
• Punjab authorities invoked a 1960 ordinance allowing preventive detention powers
• PTI plans a September 27 demonstration seeking the former premier's release

Pakistani authorities on Sunday detained Aleema Khan, the sister of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, ahead of a protest planned by his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party next week to press for his release.

Aleema was detained in Lahore and shifted to Kot Lakhpat jail, according to sources. She has been seeking the release of 73-year-old Khan, who has been in jail since 2023. She was held for 30 days under the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance, 1960.

The detention order was issued by Lahore Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Ali Ijaz under a law that allows local police to arrest anyone seen as a threat to public peace. The move comes before PTI's planned protest on September 27 in support of the former cricketer-turned-politician.

Noreen Niazi, another sister of the PTI founder, told Geo News that she had received information that Aleema had been taken to Kot Lakhpat jail. She said Aleema was taken into custody while leaving her home. "I do not know why they are so worried that they are arresting women as well," Noreen said.

PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram condemned the arrest and demanded that Aleema be produced in court immediately. "A sister is being punished for speaking up for her brother," Akram said in a post on X. People detained under the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance can challenge the order in the High Court and can also make a representation to the provincial government against it.

Imran Khan was removed from office in April 2022 after a no-confidence vote and is facing multiple legal cases. Aleema Khan's detention has come as PTI prepares for its September 27 protest seeking his release from jail.

With PTI Inputs

- Ends