Aleema Khanum, the sister of Pakistan’s jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, has been detained in Lahore just days before planned nationwide demonstrations demanding his release.
The arrest, confirmed by Pakistani authorities on Sunday, comes as political tensions escalate ahead of protests scheduled for 27 September, when opposition supporters are expected to march on the capital, Islamabad. Khanum was taken into custody in the eastern city of Lahore following an order issued by the deputy commissioner, who accused her of mobilising supporters through social media and public gatherings.
Family Condemns ‘Illegal Detention’
Khanum, a prominent voice among her brother’s supporters, has frequently addressed the media and rallied followers outside prison walls since Imran Khan’s imprisonment in 2023. Her son, Shahrez Khan, expressed concern over her sudden arrest, writing on X that the family had received no information regarding her location. “We demand the government immediately disclose her whereabouts and ensure her safe return,” he posted.
A senior police official later confirmed to the BBC that she would be held at Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore under a 30-day detention order. The charges against her stem from allegations of inciting unrest and using inflammatory rhetoric during public appearances and online campaigns supporting her brother.
Political Crackdown Intensifies
The timing of Khanum’s arrest has drawn sharp criticism from members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, which described the move as politically motivated. “This is nothing but an illegal detention aimed at silencing dissent,” said a PTI spokesperson in a statement. The party maintains that the protests planned for later this week are part of a peaceful campaign calling for justice and transparency in the judiciary.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi recently warned that the upcoming demonstrations pose a threat to national stability, telling local media that the government will take all necessary measures to prevent disruption. In response, security forces have bolstered presence around key government buildings in Islamabad, erecting barriers and deploying personnel along major thoroughfares.
Imprisoned Leader’s Health Declines
Imran Khan, 72, has been incarcerated since August 2023 after being sentenced to three years in prison for failing to declare assets acquired from selling gifts received while in office. Since then, he has faced more than 100 separate legal cases, including charges related to corruption and abuse of power. His most severe sentence—14 years in a land ownership dispute—was handed down in January 2025.
Concerns about his wellbeing have mounted in recent months. Last month, Khan was admitted to a hospital for routine medical evaluation amid reports of declining health. Human rights organisations and international observers have repeatedly called for improved prison conditions and access to independent healthcare for the former leader.
Why it Matters
The detention of Aleema Khanum underscores the deepening political crisis in Pakistan, where dissent is increasingly met with punitive action. As the nation braces for mass protests, the government’s heavy-handed approach risks further polarisation and raises pressing questions about freedom of expression and due process. With Imran Khan’s health deteriorating and his family caught in the crossfire of a protracted legal battle, the stakes are high—not only for the opposition but for the very foundations of democratic discourse in the country.
