Sister of Pakistan's Ex-PM Imran Khan Arrested Amid Protests

Aleema Khanum, the sister of Pakistan's imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan, has been arrested in Lahore, according to his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. The detention occurred Sunday afternoon, and PTI officials have labeled it an "illegal detention."

An arrest order issued by Lahore's deputy commissioner alleges that Khanum was mobilizing Imran Khan's supporters through social media and public meetings, and intended to detain her for 30 days. The order stated she was accused of mobilizing people to "create law and order situations" and "raising/chanting objectionable slogans amongst the general public against the Government."

A police official confirmed the arrest to the BBC, stating Khanum would be taken to Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore. Earlier on Sunday, her family reported having no contact or news of her whereabouts. Her son, Shahrez Khan, posted on X, demanding the government immediately disclose her location and ensure her safe return.

The arrest is widely linked to nationwide protests planned for September 27, during which demonstrators intend to march towards the Pakistani capital, Islamabad. Streets in Islamabad have already been lined with shipping containers to secure government buildings. Pakistan's interior minister has reportedly stated that the protests are harmful to the country and that the government will take all possible measures to prevent them.

Imran Khan has been in detention since 2023, initially sentenced to three years in prison for failing to declare earnings from selling gifts received while in office. He faces over 100 charges, including leaking state secrets and corruption related to state gifts, all of which he maintains are politically motivated. In a separate land corruption case last year, he received a 14-year sentence.

Khanum herself is a vocal critic of her brother's imprisonment, frequently engaging with his supporters and the media. While incarcerated, Imran Khan's health has reportedly deteriorated, requiring a hospital visit for examination last month.