Imran Khan's Sister Arrested Ahead of Planned Protests

Aleema Khanum, the sister of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, has been arrested and is being held for 30 days, according to reports. Her detention comes just ahead of planned protests demanding her brother's release from prison.

Khanum was reportedly detained on Sunday afternoon, with authorities alleging she mobilized her brother's supporters through social media and public gatherings. Her arrest is seen as an effort to preempt demonstrations scheduled for September 27, which aim to secure Imran Khan's freedom.

Imran Khan, a former cricket captain who led Pakistan from 2018 to 2022, is currently serving a prison sentence handed down in 2023. He was convicted of failing to declare money earned from selling gifts received during his time in office. Khan maintains his innocence, asserting that the charges are politically motivated. He faces over 100 charges, ranging from alleged selling of state secrets to corruption.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, Khan's political party, has described Aleema Khanum's detention as an "illegal detention" and an "abduction." Her son, Shahrez Khan, has demanded her immediate disclosure and safe return, stating that the family has had no contact with her. The PTI has called on citizens to take to the streets on September 27, framing the situation as a crisis of law and justice in the country.

Prior to her arrest, Aleema Khanum had been a vocal critic of her brother's imprisonment, frequently speaking to supporters and the press. Her detention adds to the rising tensions surrounding Imran Khan's incarceration, with supporters planning marches on the capital city, Islamabad.

Pakistani police have confirmed Khanum's arrest and stated she will be held at Kot Lakhpat prison in Lahore. However, her family has expressed distress over the lack of contact and knowledge of her whereabouts.

Concerns for Imran Khan's well-being have also been ongoing. Last month, reports indicated he would be moved from solitary confinement to a hospital following appeals from his family regarding his health. His sons have described his prison quarters as a "death cell" with unsanitary conditions, alleging inhumane treatment and prolonged isolation. They have expressed fears for his safety, drawing parallels to the death of former Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi in detention. In February, international cricketers issued a humanitarian appeal for better treatment for Khan.

Khan, who was imprisoned in May 2023, is serving multiple sentences. His sons have campaigned for his improved conditions, highlighting worries about his deteriorating health, including significant vision loss in one eye. They have also accused Pakistani authorities of potentially seeking his assassination, while simultaneously stating he has rejected offers of house arrest or exile to remain true to his political stance and support for his party members.

Despite court orders for hospital transfers and medical assessments, Khan's sons claim he has not received adequate care. The family has also sought support from UK officials, concerned about potential arrest if they travel to Pakistan without official backing. Their last contact with their father was a phone call six months prior to the current reports.