Pakistan’s former prime minister Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khanum, was detained in Lahore on Sunday, a move the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has denounced as an "illegal detention". The arrest, ordered by the city’s deputy commissioner, alleges that Khanum was using social media and public meetings to mobilise supporters ahead of nationwide protests scheduled for 27 September.
Details of the arrest
The official order states that Khanum will be held for 30 days and transferred to Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore. A police official confirmed the arrest to the BBC, and her family reported having "no contact or news of her whereabouts" earlier in the day.
Family response
Khanum’s son, Shahrez Khan, posted on X demanding that the government disclose his mother’s location and ensure her safe return. He characterised the detention as politically motivated and called for immediate transparency.
Political context
The arrest comes as the PTI prepares for large‑scale demonstrations across Pakistan, with protesters planning to march on the capital, Islamabad, on 27 September. Local media cited the interior minister’s warning that the protests could "harm the country" and that the government would act to prevent them.
Imran Khan’s legal background
Imran Khan has been imprisoned since 2023 after being sentenced to three years for failing to declare money earned from selling gifts received while in office. He faces over 100 cases, ranging from alleged leaks of state secrets to accusations of selling state gifts—charges he describes as politically driven. Last year, he received a 14‑year sentence in a land‑corruption case, the longest of his convictions. While incarcerated, his health has deteriorated, prompting a hospital visit last month.
Implications
- Legal precedent: The detention of a close family member of a high‑profile political figure underscores the government’s willingness to use administrative orders in politically sensitive cases.
- Protest dynamics: With the sister’s arrest linked to alleged mobilisation efforts, the PTI may frame the incident as part of a broader crackdown, potentially intensifying public dissent.
- International attention: The case adds to ongoing scrutiny of Pakistan’s handling of opposition figures and raises questions about due‑process standards.
As the scheduled protests approach, the arrest of Aleema Khanum is likely to become a focal point in the narrative of Pakistan’s current political turbulence.