Aleema Khan detained in Lahore ahead of PTI’s Sept 27 protest

Aleema Khanum, sister of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, was arrested in Lahore on Sunday, according to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. The arrest, reportedly ordered by the deputy commissioner of Lahore, alleged that she was inciting her brother's supporters through social media and public meetings. Khanum, however, is a vocal critic of her brother's detention and regularly addresses his supporters and the media.

Her son, Shahrez Khan, demanded her immediate release, stating that they demand the government disclose her whereabouts and ensure her safe return. Earlier in the day, her family reported having no contact or news of her whereabouts. The arrest has been linked to upcoming protests planned for September 27, when demonstrators aim to march to Islamabad, the Pakistani capital. The arrest order claims that Khanum mobilized people to create law and order situations and raise objectionable slogans against the government.

Pakistan's interior minister has stated that the protests harm the country, and the government will take all necessary measures to prevent them. Khan has been in detention since 2023, when he was sentenced to three years in prison for not declaring money earned from gifts given during his tenure as prime minister. He has faced over 100 charges, primarily related to leaking state secrets and selling state gifts, all of which he deems politically motivated.

Khan's health has deteriorated during his imprisonment, with his most recent case involving a hospital visit for examination.