Police arrest Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan’s sister ahead of march

Police in Lahore arrested Aleema Khan, the sister of former prime minister Imran Khan, on Thursday morning, a development that has heightened tensions ahead of a large opposition rally scheduled for later in the week. The operation was carried out at her residential address in the city’s affluent Gulberg district, according to a statement released by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, which described the detention as “politically motivated” and a violation of democratic norms. Aleema, a prominent figure within the PTI and a frequent spokesperson for her brother, was taken into custody without the presence of a lawyer, a detail that has drawn criticism from human‑rights organisations and opposition parties alike.The arrest follows a series of legal actions taken against Imran Khan and his close associates since his removal from office in April 2022..

Khan, who was ousted after a parliamentary vote of no confidence, has been sentenced to nine years in prison on corruption charges related to the sale of his luxury residence, while also facing separate terrorism‑related accusations stemming from a 2023 protest that turned violent. His supporters have repeatedly claimed that the cases are part of a broader campaign to silence dissent and undermine the PTI’s political influence. Aleema’s detention is therefore being framed by the party as an attempt to intimidate the opposition ahead of a planned mass march in Islamabad that seeks to demand Khan’s release and call for early elections.Authorities say the operation was based on a court order that authorized the seizure of “material evidence” from Aleema’s home, including documents and electronic devices believed to be linked to ongoing investigations..

A senior police official, who asked not to be named, told reporters that the team arrived at the residence at approximately 9:30 a.m., accompanied by a contingent of uniformed officers and a forensic squad. “The objective was to secure items that may be relevant to the cases pending against the former prime minister and his close relatives,” the officer said, adding that Aleema was “cooperating” and that her rights were being respected in accordance with Pakistani law.Human‑rights watchdog Amnesty International issued a brief statement shortly after the arrest, urging the Pakistani government to ensure that Aleema Khan’s detention complies with international standards for due process. “Arbitrary arrests and the denial of legal counsel are deeply concerning, especially in a climate where political figures are increasingly targeted for their affiliations,” the statement read..

The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has also called for transparency, noting that any perceived misuse of law enforcement to curb political expression could undermine Pakistan’s commitments under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.The PTI’s reaction was swift and vocal. In a press conference held in Lahore, party leader Shahbaz Gill condemned the arrest as “state-sponsored repression” and announced that the party would file a petition in the Lahore High Court challenging the legality of the operation. “This is an unmistakable attempt to intimidate the PTI and to disrupt the peaceful assembly we have planned for next week,” Gill asserted..

He also urged supporters to remain calm and to continue the march within the bounds of the law, despite the heightened risk of confrontation with security forces.Political analysts say the timing of the arrest is significant. Ayesha Siddiqui, a professor of political science at Quaid-i-Azam University, noted that the move could be interpreted as an effort by the current government to pre‑empt any large‑scale mobilisation that might destabilise the fragile coalition it leads. “The ruling coalition is acutely aware of the electoral threat posed by a popular opposition figure like Imran Khan,” she explained..

“By targeting his family members, the authorities may be hoping to deter supporters, but they also risk inflaming public sentiment and drawing further international scrutiny.” Siddiqui added that the upcoming march, expected to draw tens of thousands of participants, could become a flashpoint if security measures are perceived as excessive.The upcoming rally, slated for Saturday in the capital’s D-Chowk, has been approved by the Ministry of Interior, which has promised a “maximum permissible” police presence to maintain order. Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, speaking to state media, asserted that the authorities would “ensure the safety of citizens and the smooth conduct of lawful assemblies.” He also warned that any attempts to breach the law would be met with “firm but measured” action. The interior ministry’s statement came as the PTI announced that the march would feature speeches from senior party officials, a symbolic “flag‑raising” ceremony, and a call for the release of all political prisoners.The broader political context remains volatile..

Pakistan’s current prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, has repeatedly defended the legal proceedings against Imran Khan as necessary steps to combat corruption and protect national security. In a televised interview, Sharif emphasised that “no one is above the law,” and that the government is committed to upholding the rule of law irrespective of political affiliations. However, critics argue that the judiciary’s independence has been compromised in recent years, pointing to a pattern of high‑profile cases against opposition leaders that coincide with periods of heightened political unrest.International reactions have been measured..

The United States Department of State released a generic statement urging all parties in Pakistan to “respect democratic processes and the rule of law,” without directly commenting on the arrest. The European Union’s ambassador to Islamabad, Anna Bianchi, called for “transparent investigations and the protection of fundamental rights,” echoing concerns raised by regional observers. Meanwhile, neighboring India’s foreign ministry issued a brief note urging “stability and peaceful dialogue” in Pakistan, reflecting the broader geopolitical interest in how domestic turmoil might affect regional security dynamics.As Aleema Khan remains in police custody, her legal team is expected to file an urgent bail application, citing health concerns and the need for regular access to counsel..

The court’s decision, due later this week, will likely set a precedent for how similar cases involving political figures are handled. For now, the streets of Lahore and Islamabad are bracing for a confrontation that could test the resilience of Pakistan’s democratic institutions and the capacity of its security apparatus to manage large‑scale, politically charged gatherings without further escalation..