Sunday morning began like any other for Aleema Khan. She left her Lahore home, reportedly heading to a private engagement. She never arrived.
Police stopped her on the way, family sources said. Hours later, she was in Kot Lakhpat Jail.
Aleema is the sister of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is 73 and has been behind bars since 2023. For months, she has been one of the most vocal figures calling for his release.
30-Day Detention Order
Lahore’s Deputy Commissioner, Muhammad Ali Ijaz, ordered her detention for 30 days under the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance of 1960. The law allows authorities to detain people they consider a potential threat to public peace.
Her lawyer, Rana Mudassar, said she already had bail in every case against her in Lahore. Her sister, Noreen Niazi, said the family would not be intimidated into silence.
Detention Comes Before PTI Protest
The timing has drawn particular attention. PTI has planned a countrywide protest and march to Islamabad on September 27, just one week away.
Party chairman Gohar Ali Khan has said the protest will be peaceful and warned that Aleema Khan’s detention could further increase political tensions.
Authorities, meanwhile, say the decision was based on a police report citing concerns about public safety.
What Happens Next?
The detention has added another development to an already tense political situation.
With the September 27 protest approaching, attention is now turning toward PTI’s next steps and the government’s response. What began as a routine Sunday morning for Aleema Khan has quickly become part of a closely watched political story in Pakistan.
