Imran Khan’s Three Sisters Arrested in Pakistan Ahead of PTI Protest
Lahore, September 22, 2026: Three sisters of jailed former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan have been detained in Lahore, just days before his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party plans a nationwide protest demanding his release.
The detained women are Aleema Khan, Dr Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi. Authorities have ordered their detention for 30 days under Pakistan’s Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) law, according to official detention orders reported by Pakistani media.
Aleema Khan Detained First
Aleema Khan was taken into custody on Sunday, September 20, after the Lahore deputy commissioner issued a 30-day detention order.
According to Reuters, the order cited concerns that her presence in public could pose a threat to public safety. Her detention came one week before the PTI's planned September 27 protest march.
PTI leaders condemned the detention and called for her release. Authorities have said they intend to prevent the planned protest from disrupting public order.
Uzma and Noreen Also Taken Into Custody
On Monday, September 21, Imran Khan's other two sisters, Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi, were also detained.
Dawn reported that both women were ordered to be held for 30 days under the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance. The detention orders cited alleged concerns over public safety and maintaining public order, including accusations that they had mobilised PTI supporters.
Their detention has since been challenged in the Lahore High Court. The petition, filed by Aleema Khan's son Shahraiz Khan, argues that the detention orders were unlawful and that authorities failed to follow the required legal procedure.
Arrests Come Ahead of September 27 PTI March
The arrests come amid heightened political tensions in Pakistan as PTI prepares for a nationwide protest and march planned for September 27.
The party says the demonstration is intended to demand Imran Khan's release and raise concerns over his continued imprisonment. Pakistani authorities have indicated that they will take measures to prevent the planned march from causing disruptions.
Other PTI figures and supporters have also reportedly been detained in Punjab in the run-up to the protest.
PTI Challenges the Detentions
PTI has strongly criticised the arrests, describing them as politically motivated and unlawful. Those are the party's characterisations, rather than an established legal finding.
The families of the detained women have also raised concerns about the manner in which the arrests were carried out. Meanwhile, the legal challenge before the Lahore High Court could determine whether the 30-day detention orders remain in force.