Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan's sisters arrested ahead of PTI protest, Islamabad turns into fortress
PTC News Desk: Authorities in Pakistan have detained former Prime Minister Imran Khan's three sisters — Aleema Khan, Dr Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi — in Lahore. They have been sent to Kot Lakhpat Jail for 30 days under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) law.
Aleema Khan was detained on Sunday, while Uzma and Noreen were taken into custody on Monday. Some of their children and other relatives were also briefly detained but were later released, according to family members and lawyers.
PTI leaders strongly criticised the detentions. Party spokesperson Zulfi Bukhari alleged that police raided the family's home and took several family members into custody.
Detentions ahead of September 27 protest
The action comes ahead of a nationwide PTI protest and planned march towards Islamabad on September 27. The party says the demonstration is aimed at demanding Imran Khan's release from jail and pressing its political and constitutional demands.
Lahore authorities ordered the sisters to be detained for 30 days under the Maintenance of Public Order law. Authorities cited concerns over public order and safety in connection with the planned demonstrations.
Security tightened ahead of demonstration
Imran Khan, a former Pakistan cricket captain, served as prime minister from 2018 until 2022, when he was removed from office through a no-confidence vote. He has been imprisoned since 2023 and continues to face several legal cases.
Pakistan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced a protest march to Islamabad for Sunday, demanding the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The party is also opposing a series of recent laws and constitutional amendments that it says have weakened the country's judiciary.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the government would not allow the protest march to go ahead.
Authorities have deployed thousands of police personnel and placed large shipping containers at several locations across Islamabad and Punjab to prevent protesters from entering key areas.
Former Pakistan representative to the UN Maleeha Lodhi criticised the security measures on social media, saying Islamabad was once again being filled with containers.
Meanwhile, a notification issued by the Lahore district administration said Aleema Khan, one of Imran Khan's sisters, had been arrested and would be held for 30 days.
The order said her presence in public could pose a serious threat to public safety.
- PTC NEWS
