Imran Khan's sister detained in Lahore ahead of PTI protest march

Pakistani authorities detained Aleema Khan, sister of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, in Lahore on Sunday under a public order law, a move her party condemned as politically motivated ahead of a planned protest march. The detention occurred as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party prepares for a long march to Islamabad on September 27 to demand Imran Khan's release from prison. Aleema Khan was taken into custody outside a Jamaat Khana in Lahore and transferred to Kot Lakhpat Jail. The detention order, issued by Lahore Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Ali Ijaz, cited police and intelligence reports alleging her activities were prejudicial to public safety and order. The order referenced her alleged involvement in protests on May 9, 2023, and current mobilization efforts. It authorized her detention for 30 days under Section 3 of the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance, 1960. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan condemned the arrest, stating it would fuel violence and tension. "We have clarified that our protest will be peaceful," he said in a post on X, demanding Aleema Khan's immediate release.