Imran Khan's Sisters Detained Amid Political Tensions in Pakistan

In a significant escalation of political tensions in Pakistan, three sisters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan have been detained ahead of a planned protest by the PTI party. The detentions, ordered by local authorities, have sparked outrage among party members, who claim these actions are politically motivated. As the situation unfolds, calls for the release of the detained sisters intensify, with family members alleging abduction and demanding transparency from the government. This incident highlights the ongoing struggles for political rights and the challenges faced by opposition figures in Pakistan.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 21, 2026, 13:31 IST

Detention of Imran Khan's Sisters

File image of Ex-Pakistan PM Imran Khan(Photo: X)

Islamabad, Sep 21: On Monday, Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi, sisters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, were placed under a 30-day detention. This occurred just a day after another sister, Aleema Khan, was also arrested following an order from the Deputy Commissioner of Lahore.

The detentions of the Khan sisters come ahead of a planned protest and march by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party in Islamabad on September 27. According to a directive issued on September 20, the Lahore DC's office stated that Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi were deemed "prejudicial to public safety and maintenance of public order," as reported by local media. They will be held at the Central Jail in Kot Lakhpat.

Following Aleema Khan's arrest, PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan criticized the action, labeling it as a move that could escalate tensions. He called for her immediate release and indicated that the party would soon outline its response.

In a message on X, Khan mentioned, "Noreen Niazi informed me about Aleema Khan's arrest. We have consistently stated that our march will be peaceful and political. Our goal is to engage in a non-violent struggle for our constitutional rights; we do not seek confrontation. Arresting Aleema Khan or placing her under house arrest under the MPO only serves to incite violence and unrest."

He further condemned the actions, stating, "This is the first step towards worsening the situation. All such actions must cease immediately. We demand the prompt release of Aleema Khan, and the party will soon announce its strategy in response to these measures."

Gohar Ali Khan's remarks followed the confirmation from the Lahore deputy commissioner that Aleema Khan was detained for 30 days under the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance, 1960. Additionally, her driver, Muhammad Ameer, was also ordered to be detained for the same duration, according to another local daily.

Aleema Khan's son, Shahrez Khan, claimed that his mother was taken against her will after she left home on Sunday morning. He stated that she had secured bail in all her cases in Lahore and urged the government to reveal her location and ensure her safe return.

"My mother, Aleema Khan, was taken after leaving home this morning. Our family has had no contact or information about her whereabouts. She is on bail in all her cases in Lahore. We demand the government to immediately disclose her location and ensure her safe return," Shahrez Khan posted on X.

Imran Khan's son, Kasim Khan, accused the police of abducting his aunt Aleema Khan, describing the situation as indicative of a "fascist government." He called for the authorities to allow her family and legal representatives to meet her and demanded her immediate release.

"Today, my aunt, Aleema Khan, has been taken by police in Lahore. Our family has received no information about her location. Her family and lawyers cannot reach her. This is the behavior of a fascist government—abducting individuals, terrorizing families, and violating human rights while pretending to uphold democracy," Kasim Khan wrote on X.

"First they imprisoned my father. Now they are targeting his family. We demand immediate access for her family and lawyers, full disclosure of her location, and her immediate release. The world cannot continue to ignore what is happening in Pakistan," he added.