The sister of Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan who is currently imprisoned, has been apprehended just days before planned protests advocating for his release. Aleema Khanum was reportedly taken into custody in Lahore on Sunday, according to officials from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, which Khan founded. They have characterized her arrest as “illegal” and her son has called for her immediate return.
The arrest warrant issued by the deputy commissioner of Lahore claims that Khanum was organizing gatherings and utilizing social media to rally support for her brother. Authorities stated that she will be held for a period of 30 days. Khanum has been outspoken against her brother’s imprisonment, often engaging with supporters and the press.
A police representative confirmed her detention, stating that she would be transported to Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore. Earlier in the day, her family expressed concern over her safety, indicating they had not heard from her since her arrest. “We demand the government immediately disclose her whereabouts and ensure her safe return,” her son, Shahrez Khan, voiced on social media.
Upcoming Protests and Government Response
Khanum’s arrest has been linked to upcoming protests on September 27, during which demonstrators plan to march toward Islamabad in support of Imran Khan. The arrest order alleged that she was inciting public unrest and leading people to chant slogans against the government.
In anticipation of the protests, Islamabad has seen streets lined with shipping containers as a precautionary measure to protect government buildings. Reports from local media indicated that Pakistan’s interior minister expressed concerns that these protests could be detrimental to the nation, promising to take measures to prevent them from occurring.
Background on Imran Khan’s Imprisonment
Imran Khan has been in custody since 2023, when he was sentenced to three years in prison for failing to declare profits from gifts received during his tenure as Prime Minister. He is facing over 100 charges, which include serious allegations such as leaking state secrets and selling state gifts, all of which he claims are politically motivated.
Last year, Khan received a 14-year sentence related to a land corruption case, marking the longest duration of imprisonment he has faced. His health has reportedly been declining while incarcerated, with a recent hospitalization for medical evaluation raising further concerns about his wellbeing.
