Aleema Khan detained in Lahore ahead of PTI Sept. 27 march

Aleema Khan, sister of jailed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, was detained in Lahore on Sunday under the Maintenance of Public Order law. The detention came days before the party's planned nationwide protests and march toward Islamabad.

Why was Aleema Khan detained?

Police detained Aleema Khan after the deputy commissioner issued an order under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance, known as 3-MPO. Her lawyer says the arrest was illegal and that she has bail in all cases registered against her in Lahore.

Khan was taken into custody by Lytton Road police after leaving her Upper Mall residence for the gym, according to sources. She was later shifted to Kot Lakhpat Jail. Her vehicle remained parked at the police station, the sources said.

Her lawyer, Rana Mudassar Umar, confirmed the detention. In a post on X, he said police "illegally" arrested her after she left home with her driver in the morning. He said her family initially did not know where she had been taken.

How has PTI responded to the Aleema Khan arrest?

PTI condemned the detention. The party's Central Punjab spokesperson said a large-scale crackdown on its workers was continuing. Brigadier (retd) Mushtaq said the government was "afraid of a public revolution" and claimed Khan had been moved to an unknown location.

The detention comes ahead of PTI's Sept. 27 protest, which the party has called to demand Imran Khan's release and what it describes as the restoration of constitutional and democratic rights. Authorities have already detained more than 100 PTI workers under the 3-MPO law in connection with preparations for the planned march.

What is PTI planning for Sept. 27?

PTI has called for demonstrations across Pakistan on Sept. 27, including a march toward the capital. The protest is centered on demands for Imran Khan's release and constitutional and democratic rights.

The Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen-e-Pakistan, an opposition alliance led by Mehmood Khan Achakzai, has backed the protest and said it would coordinate with other political forces. The alliance has described the mobilization as a broader campaign focused on constitutional, parliamentary and provincial rights.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has said the march will remain peaceful and within the Constitution and law. He has described it as a political campaign for constitutional rights and the release of political prisoners. Reports said he has traveled to Punjab and Sindh to mobilize support.

What has the Islamabad High Court ordered on the march?

The Islamabad High Court issued a detailed 37-page judgment on Friday concerning the Sept. 27 march. The court said political parties, leaders, provincial governments and public officeholders could not occupy roads, highways, interchanges, toll plazas or public buildings in a way that obstructs citizens' movement or access to medical and educational facilities.

The court also directed provincial governments to ensure that government funds, vehicles, machinery and officials were not used to facilitate a march or procession toward Islamabad. It said actions that infringe citizens' fundamental rights would amount to violations of the Constitution.

The federal government has said it will enforce the ruling. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said Friday that authorities would take legal action against anyone violating the order and would prevent attempts to disrupt the capital.

Authorities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi have been preparing security measures ahead of the protest. Provincial officials in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have also been instructed not to use government resources to facilitate the march to the federal capital.

The detention of Aleema Khan adds to tensions surrounding the planned mobilization, with PTI and the government taking opposing positions over the protest and the limits imposed by the court.