PTI condemns Aleema Khan’s 30-day detention

LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has condemned the detention of Aleema Khan, sister of party founder Imran Khan, after the Lahore deputy commissioner ordered her custody for 30 days under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) law.

The detention order was issued on September 20 under Section 3 of the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance, 1960. The order also applies to Aleema’s driver, Muhammad Ameer. Both have been directed to remain in custody at Kot Lakhpat Jail.

Authorities said the detention was necessary to maintain public order and prevent a possible law and order situation. The order was based on reports submitted by police and intelligence officials.

According to the reports cited in the order, Aleema and her driver were allegedly involved in protests and road blockades linked to the May 9 unrest. They were also accused of encouraging workers to damage public and government property.

The reports further alleged that Aleema and Ameer had been mobilising supporters through social media and public gatherings. Authorities said such activity could create tensions and disrupt public peace.

The order also referred to allegations that objectionable slogans had been raised against the government and state institutions. Several criminal cases were cited as part of the material submitted to the authorities.

The matter was reviewed by the District Intelligence Committee during a meeting chaired by the Lahore deputy commissioner. The committee endorsed the material provided by the police and recommended that both individuals be detained for 30 days.

The deputy commissioner subsequently said he was satisfied that their presence in public could pose a serious threat to public safety and potentially lead to a breach of public order. The order allows the detainees to submit a representation against their detention to the provincial government.

Family sources said Aleema was intercepted by police while travelling towards Gymkhana Club after leaving her residence shortly after offering Zuhr prayers. She was reportedly taken into custody along with her driver and vehicle and later moved towards Lytton Road.

PTI announced that an emergency press conference by Imran Khan’s sisters would be held at Zaman Park in Lahore at 5:30pm. The party invited local and international journalists to attend the briefing.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan condemned Aleema’s detention and said the party’s planned September 27 protest would remain peaceful and political. He called for her immediate release and said such arrests could increase tensions.

The Tehreek Tahafuz Aain Pakistan (TTAP) also criticised the detention, alleging that it was part of restrictions on political workers and their families. The alliance demanded the release of Aleema and other detained political activists.

TTAP leader Shayyan Bashir said the detention, coming days before the September 27 protest, would not weaken the alliance’s political campaign.

Aleema’s son, Shahrez Khan, also raised concerns over her whereabouts after the arrest. In a statement on social media, he claimed that the family had been unable to contact her and called on the authorities to disclose her location and ensure her safety.

PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram also criticised the detention, questioning why Aleema had been taken into custody despite being on bail in cases registered against her in Lahore.

Meanwhile, Imran Khan’s sister Noreen Khan spoke by telephone with Opposition Leader in the Senate Allama Raja Nasir Abbas. Abbas condemned Aleema’s detention and said the arrests would not weaken the resolve of Imran Khan’s sisters.

Noreen said the family would continue its efforts despite the arrests and maintained that such measures would not stop their political activities.