Sister of Pakistan's ex-PM Imran Khan arrested
Aleema Khanum, the sister of Pakistan's imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan, has been arrested in Lahore. Authorities allege she was mobilizing supporters for upcoming protests, while her party claims the detention is illegal.
Why it matters
The arrest highlights the ongoing political instability in Pakistan and the government's efforts to suppress opposition movements ahead of planned demonstrations.
Image source, REUTERS/Salahuddin Image caption, Aleema Khanum, pictured in January 2025 outside Adiala jail, speaking to the media after her brother's jail sentence
The sister of Pakistan's imprisoned former prime minister, Imran Khan, has been arrested ahead of next week's protests held in his support, his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has said.
Aleema Khanum was detained in the eastern city of Lahore on Sunday afternoon, PTI officials said, calling it an "illegal detention". Her son is demanding her return.
The order for Khanum's arrest, which came from Lahore's deputy commissioner, alleged that she was mobilising Imran Khan's supporters "through social media and public meetings". It added that she will be detained for 30 days.
Khanum is a vocal critic of her brother's detention, regularly speaking to his supporters and the media.
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