LAHORE,— Pakistani authorities detained Aleema Khan, the sister of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) law in Lahore.
The detention comes days before Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) plans a nationwide protest and march towards Islamabad on September 27.
Aleema Khan Taken Into Custody
Family and party sources said police detained Aleema Khan in Lahore on Sunday.
According to the family, she had left her home in the Upper Mall area to go to the gym when police stopped her.
Her vehicle was later taken to Lytton Road Police Station, according to party sources. Reports said authorities later shifted her to Kot Lakhpat Jail.
Lahore Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Ali Ijaz issued the detention order under Section 3 of the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance.
The order calls for her detention for 30 days. It also names her driver, Muhammad Ameer.
Authorities Cite Public Order Concerns
According to the detention order reported by The Express Tribune, police and intelligence reports raised concerns about possible law and order problems.
The reports alleged that Aleema Khan and her driver had been involved in earlier protests and road blockades.
They also alleged that she was helping mobilise PTI supporters through social media and public meetings.
The authorities said the detention was needed to maintain public safety and public order. These are allegations cited in the detention order and do not represent a court finding.
PTI Demands Her Release
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan condemned Aleema Khan’s detention.
He said the move could worsen political tensions. However, he stressed that the party’s September 27 march would remain peaceful.
“Our march will be peaceful and political. We do not want any confrontation or violence,” Gohar said, according to Geo News.
Gohar demanded Aleema Khan’s immediate release. He also called on the government to stop what he described as measures that could increase tensions.
PTI has called the September 27 protest to demand Imran Khan’s release and raise constitutional and political issues.
Family Seeks Information
Aleema Khan’s sister Noreen Niazi also confirmed the detention in comments to Geo News.
She said the family had received information that Aleema had been taken to Kot Lakhpat Jail.
The family has challenged the detention and raised questions about the reasons for the action.
The case comes amid heightened political tensions before PTI’s planned march.
