Key Takeaways
- PTI claims arrests of Imran Khan's sisters, Dr Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi, following Aleema's detention.
- Aleema Khan was detained under the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance for 30 days.
- PTI accuses Punjab police of political victimisation and illegal conduct.
The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) has claimed that more family members of former Prime Minister Imran Khan have been arrested, including his two sisters, Dr Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi, following the detention of Aleema Khan.
Aleema Khan, Imran Khan’s sister, was detained by authorities on Sunday under the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance (MPO) for 30 days, according to a document obtained by Dawn.
PTI’s Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram accused Punjab police of 'arresting both sisters of Imran, along with their children and the sons of Aleema Khan,' and stated that the individuals had been 'placed in an armoured vehicle and are being taken to an unknown location.'
In a post on X, Imran Khan’s son Kasim Khan alleged that Uzma and Noreen had been 'abducted,' stating, 'This is a disgrace,' and claiming that authorities had 'broken into my aunties and cousins houses and forced them into vehicles with no explanation.'
Kasim Khan further noted that 'No reasons for arrest have been stated. No news has been released as to where they have been taken.'
The developments come amid reports of a crackdown on the PTI ahead of its September 27 countrywide protest and march to Islamabad, which the party has called to demand Imran Khan’s release from jail and mobilise people for the supremacy of the Constitution.
Aleema’s sister, Noreen Niazi, addressed a press conference in Lahore, flanked by her sister’s counsel Advocate Mudassir Umar. Noreen claimed that Aleema was 'picked up' along with her driver after she left her residence on Saturday, and they later learnt that Aleema’s vehicle was parked at a police station.
Police sources confirmed to Dawn that Aleema had been taken to the Kot Lakhpat jail. The lawyer said they had yet to receive official confirmation of her arrest.
PTI condemned the alleged arrest, calling it a 'blatant abuse of authority, a violation of fundamental rights, and an act of political victimisation.' The party stated, 'Such conduct is illegal, unconstitutional, and is condemned in the strongest possible terms.'
Such conduct is illegal, unconstitutional, and is condemned in the strongest possible terms.
PTI, Central Information Secretary
This is a disgrace.
Kasim Khan, Son of Imran Khan
