Two More of Imran Khan’s Sisters Arrested After Aleema

A day after the detention of Aleema Khan, one of the sisters of former Pakistani Prime Minister and PTI founder Imran Khan, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has claimed that two more of his sisters, Uzma Khan and Noorine Niazi, have also been arrested. The party alleged that members of Imran’s family were being subjected to a series of actions ahead of the nationwide protests and march towards Islamabad scheduled for September 27.

On Sunday (September 20), Lahore Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Ali Ijaz ordered the detention or arrest of Aleema Khan and Muhammad Amir for 30 days under the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance. Police later confirmed that Aleema had been taken to Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat Central Jail.

The deputy commissioner’s order said the presence of Aleema Khan and Muhammad Amir could be harmful to public safety and public order. Citing a police report, it alleged that they were involved in the May 9, 2023, protests and road blockades and had encouraged workers to damage government and public property. The order also cited concerns that they could again mobilise workers through social media and public gatherings.

The following day, Monday (September 21), PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram claimed that Uzma Khan and Noorine Niazi had also been taken to an undisclosed location in an armoured vehicle along with their children and Aleema Khan’s sons. PTI lawyer Awais Younis Chaudhry also confirmed the detention of the three sisters. However, he said he had not found any documents confirming 30-day detention orders for Uzma and Noorine.

Imran’s son Qasim Khan also accused the authorities of abducting Uzma and Noorine. In a statement, PTI condemned their detention, describing it as a violation of fundamental rights and political persecution. The government did not immediately issue any detailed response to the allegations.

Earlier, following Aleema Khan’s detention, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan condemned the move and said the party’s September 27 programme would remain peaceful. The opposition alliance Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Ain-e-Pakistan also condemned Aleema’s detention and demanded her release.

Meanwhile, action is also being taken against PTI leaders and workers in various parts of Punjab ahead of the September 27 programme. According to a report by Dawn, 47 PTI workers and leaders in Sahiwal have been detained and sent to jail under the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance.

PTI has called for nationwide protests and a march towards Islamabad on September 27, demanding Imran Khan’s release and the supremacy of the Constitution. In response to the programme, the government has also tightened security in the capital and said it would not allow protesters to block roads or disrupt public movement.

The claims of Uzma and Noorine’s arrests following Aleema Khan’s 30-day detention have created fresh tensions in Pakistan’s political situation ahead of the September 27 programme.

Sources: The Dawn, Reuters