Kasim Khan, son of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, and Amnesty International have both voiced strong concerns over the detention of Imran Khan’s sisters and activists from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Kasim Khan highlighted that the arrests represent a severe restriction on fundamental rights in Pakistan.
He revealed that Imran Khan’s three sisters—Aleema Khan, Uzma Khan, and Noreen Niazi—have been detained, alongside PTI activists who are reportedly being targeted ahead of the party’s planned protest scheduled for September 27. Kasim emphasized that while individuals may be arrested or threatened, it is impossible to imprison an entire nation or suppress the collective will of a generation.
In a significant development, Kasim urged the international community to closely monitor the situation as Pakistanis seek to exercise their right to peaceful protest. He framed the choice for the people as either remaining silent while their leader is imprisoned, his family detained, and the party suppressed, or standing up peacefully to demand justice.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International condemned the arbitrary detention of Imran Khan’s family members and PTI activists, describing it as a blatant violation of their rights to liberty, freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly. The organization called on Pakistani authorities to immediately release those detained, noting that the arrests appear motivated by political affiliation, familial ties, and plans to protest.
The detentions follow orders issued by Lahore authorities to hold Aleema Khan, Uzma Khan, and Noreen Niazi for 30 days under public order regulations. A petition challenging these detention orders was filed in the Lahore High Court on Monday.
Earlier, Kasim Khan had also condemned the arrest of his aunt Aleema Khan, demanding her immediate release and access for her family and legal representatives. These developments underscore escalating tensions as the PTI prepares for its upcoming demonstration.
Leave an opinion