Aleema Khan, the sister of former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, was taken into custody by Lahore police outside her residence on Sunday. The party accused the government of abducting her, asserting that her arrest was politically motivated.
She was detained under Section 16 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance, which aims to prevent disturbances to public peace. While her family confirmed her arrest, the Lahore police had not released an official statement at the time.
This development occurs as PTI prepares for nationwide protests and a planned long march to Islamabad in September. The party’s agenda focuses on demanding Imran Khan’s release, protesting his ongoing detention, and raising concerns about his alleged denial of medical treatment and restricted access to healthcare at Adiala Jail.
Reports indicated that Aleema Khan’s vehicle was impounded at a police station, and she was initially transferred to Central Jail Lahore, commonly known as Kot Lakhpat Jail. Subsequently, PTI leader Brigadier (retd) Mushtaq stated that she had been relocated to an undisclosed location.
The PTI Central Punjab spokesperson condemned the detention, highlighting that numerous party activists were also being arrested amid a widespread crackdown. “These arrests are occurring on a large scale,” the spokesperson remarked.
On social media platform X, PTI accused the “illegitimate government and its handlers who have seized power” of abducting Aleema Khan. Brigadier (retd) Mushtaq echoed this sentiment, suggesting the government fears a “public revolution”.
Additionally, there are indications that other significant figures associated with PTI might also face detention under the MPO. Aleema Khan is currently involved in multiple legal cases linked to protests and other incidents.
On September 5, an anti-terrorism court in Lahore extended the interim bail of Aleema Khan, her sister Uzma Khan, and several other PTI leaders until October 6 concerning cases related to the May 9 violence. Authorities have increasingly used the MPO to detain PTI members in Lahore. For instance, on September 16, five PTI affiliates were ordered detained for 30 days ahead of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi’s visit to Lahore.
This arrest comes amid escalating political tensions between PTI and the government, with the party persisting in its demands for political mobilization and protests. Aleema Khan has been a prominent advocate in the campaign regarding Imran Khan’s imprisonment and access issues. Notably, she was among the family members denied a meeting with Imran Khan at Adiala Jail earlier that week.
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