Three sisters of jailed former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan remain in custody after a series of arrests and night raids in Lahore. The arrests have added to tensions ahead of a planned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) march to Islamabad on September 27.
Imran Khan’s family has accused Pakistani authorities of using force and intimidation during the raids. The government, however, says the detentions are linked to concerns over public order and security.
Imran Khan’s Sisters Detained
Aleema Khan, Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi were detained in Lahore ahead of the planned PTI protest. Aleema Khan was first detained on September 20 under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance.
The Lahore administration said the preventive detention was linked to concerns over public safety. Reuters also reported that authorities had issued a 30-day detention order against Aleema Khan. PTI has rejected the government’s explanation and called the arrests part of a wider crackdown on the party.
Family Alleges Night Raid and Intimidation
According to a statement from Imran Khan’s family, police entered the residential area in Lahore during the early hours of September 21. The family alleges that around 200 officers entered the property and searched the homes for Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi.
The statement also alleges that officers detained household staff and relatives. It claims that some people were forced into vehicles and that CCTV equipment was damaged during the operation. The family further alleged that children were frightened during the raid. These claims have been attributed to the family and have not been independently established in every detail.
PTI Plans September 27 Islamabad March
The arrests come days before PTI’s planned nationwide mobilisation. The party has called supporters to march towards Islamabad on September 27. It is demanding Imran Khan’s release and what it describes as the restoration of constitutional rule.
The government has warned PTI against proceeding with the march. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has said authorities will take steps to prevent the party from disrupting Islamabad. Security has also been increased in the capital, with roads being closed or restricted ahead of the planned protest.
Pakistan Tightens Security Ahead of Protest
Authorities have taken several measures to prepare for the march. Major roads leading towards Islamabad have been blocked at several points, while additional security personnel have been deployed.
On September 24, Islamabad authorities also imposed Section 144 across the capital. The order bans public gatherings, rallies and processions for two months.
The government says the measures are needed to maintain public order. PTI has described the action as an attempt to stop its supporters from reaching the capital.
With the September 27 march approaching, the detention of Imran Khan’s sisters has become another major point of tension between PTI and the government. The response of authorities and the size of the planned mobilisation will now be closely watched.
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