The three sisters of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan were detained by authorities in Lahore, Pakistan, ahead of planned protests called by Khan's party. According to a spokesperson for Khan's party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the sisters, Alima Khan, Dr. Azma Khan, and Noreen Khan, were arrested at the residence of Aliem Khan, a relative of Imran Khan. The arrests were made by Punjab police, who also took into custody children of Khan's siblings and nephews.
The PTI had called for protests on September 27, which the government has declared illegal. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated that the party's call for protests was not allowed, and that the government would not permit road closures or disruptions to daily life. The arrests of Khan's sisters come as the former prime minister serves a prison sentence, having been convicted of corruption charges last year. Khan, 73, was ousted as prime minister in 2022 through a vote of no confidence.
The three sisters were taken to Kot Lakhpat prison in Lahore, with reports indicating that they were detained under the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order law for 30 days. A deputy commissioner in Lahore issued separate orders for their detention. Khan's party has been facing increased pressure from the government, which has been cracking down on PTI activists and leaders.
Imran Khan has been in prison since 2023, serving a 17-year sentence for corruption charges that he and his wife deny. Khan, a former cricket star, served as prime minister from 2018 to 2022. His ousting was linked to tensions between his government and the powerful military establishment in Pakistan.
The arrests of Khan's sisters have sparked concerns about the treatment of the former prime minister's family members. According to reports, children of Khan's siblings who were detained with their mothers were later released. The PTI has condemned the arrests, with party spokespersons stating that the move was aimed at intimidating Khan and his supporters.
The situation in Pakistan has been tense in recent months, with Khan's party facing a crackdown by the government. The former prime minister's supporters have been protesting his imprisonment and what they see as a crackdown on his party. The government has been trying to quell the protests, with authorities imposing restrictions on public gatherings.
The detention of Khan's sisters is seen as a significant escalation in the tensions between the PTI and the government. The move has sparked concerns about the rule of law and human rights in Pakistan. The international community has been watching the situation closely, with many expressing concerns about the stability of the country.
Key points
- The three sisters of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan were detained by authorities in Lahore ahead of planned protests called by Khan's party.
- The arrests were made under the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order law, with the sisters being taken to Kot Lakhpat prison in Lahore.
- The situation in Pakistan has been tense in recent months, with Khan's party facing a crackdown by the government.
