The authorities described both individuals as posing a potential threat to public peace and recommended their detention under the MPO.

LAHORE: Police detained Aleema Khan, sister of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, for 30 days under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance on Sunday, days before the party’s planned September 27 protest march.

Lahore Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Ali Ijaz issued the detention order on September 20 under Section 3 of the MPO Ordinance, 1960. The order directed that Aleema Khan and her driver, Muhammad Ameer, be detained for 30 days at Central Jail, Kot Lakhpat.

According to the detention order, the action was taken on the recommendation of the Lahore Capital City Police Officer (CCPO), based on reports from the SP Civil Lines Division and the District Intelligence Branch.

Police cite public order concerns

The reports cited in the order alleged that Aleema Khan and her driver had been involved in the May 9 protests and road blockades and had encouraged workers to damage public and government property.

The reports further alleged that the two were mobilising PTI workers through social media and public meetings and could create a law and order situation.

Authorities also cited allegations that they had raised slogans against the government and state institutions and referred to several cases, including FIR No. 96/23 registered at Race Course police station.

The authorities described both individuals as posing a potential threat to public peace and recommended their detention under the MPO.

The matter was subsequently discussed by the District Intelligence Committee, chaired by the Lahore deputy commissioner. According to the order, the committee reviewed the material submitted by police and recommended their detention.

The deputy commissioner said he was satisfied that their presence in public could pose a threat to public safety and result in a breach of public order.

The order also states that the detainees can submit a representation against their detention to the Punjab government.

Aleema taken into custody in Lahore

Family sources said Aleema Khan was travelling towards the Gymkhana Club when police intercepted her vehicle and took her into custody along with her driver.

According to the family, she had left her residence shortly after offering Zuhr prayers. Her vehicle was later taken to Lytton Road Police Station, while she was expected to be shifted to Kot Lakhpat Jail.

Multiple Pakistani media outlets also reported that she was subsequently transferred to Kot Lakhpat Jail under the 3-MPO order.

PTI condemns detention

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan condemned Aleema Khan’s detention and said the party’s September 27 march would remain peaceful.

Gohar said the party wanted to pursue its political and constitutional demands through peaceful means. He called for Aleema’s release and said the detention could increase tensions.

The Tehreek Tahafuz Aain Pakistan (TTAP) also condemned the detention. The alliance alleged that the action was aimed at restricting political activity ahead of the September 27 protest.

These claims are political allegations by the opposition alliance and were not independently established in the reports reviewed.

Family members protest detention

Aleema Khan’s son, Shahrez Khan, said the family had initially been unable to establish contact with her after she left home.

He alleged that she had been “abducted” and called on the authorities to disclose her whereabouts and ensure her safety.

PTI leaders also criticised the detention and demanded that Aleema Khan be presented before a court.

Sohail Afridi condemns arrest

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi also criticised Aleema Khan’s detention.

Afridi alleged that the treatment of women in Punjab was unacceptable and described the detention as political victimisation. He also questioned the decision to target members of Imran Khan’s family.

His remarks were part of the PTI leadership’s response to the detention and represent the party’s position on the matter.

Noreen Niazi calls for greater participation

Imran Khan’s sister Noreen Niazi urged supporters to participate in the September 27 protest.

Speaking to reporters, she alleged that Aleema Khan had been taken into custody without the family being properly informed about her whereabouts.

Noreen said the detention would not stop the family from continuing its political activities and called on supporters to remain committed to the planned protest.

PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram also condemned the detention and demanded that Aleema Khan be presented in court.

The developments come as PTI prepares for its September 27 protest march. The party has said the demonstration is part of its campaign for Imran Khan’s release and for its constitutional and political demands. Reuters reported that the planned march was one of the reasons for heightened political tensions surrounding Aleema Khan’s detention.