LAHORE, Sunday, September 20, 2026: Aleema Khan, sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former prime minister Imran Khan, was detained by Lahore police on Sunday under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance and shifted to Kot Lakhpat Jail, days before the party’s planned September 27 protest march.
The Lahore district administration ordered her detention for 30 days, citing concerns over public safety and maintenance of law and order, according to the detention order reported by local media and Reuters.
Reports differed slightly over the precise location from which Aleema was taken into custody. Family and party sources said she was detained while leaving or travelling from her residence towards Lahore Gymkhana. Lytton Road police were reported to have taken her into custody before she was transferred to Kot Lakhpat Jail.
DC Lahore issues 30-day detention order
According to reports, Lahore police approached the deputy commissioner seeking Aleema’s preventive detention under the MPO.
The detention order, citing a police report, said her activities were considered potentially harmful to public safety and law and order. It also referred to previous cases and a recommendation by the District Intelligence Committee. These are allegations cited by the authorities in support of the detention order and are not findings of guilt.
Her detention comes as PTI prepares for its planned September 27 march towards Islamabad, which the party says is intended to press its demands, including the release of Imran Khan.
PTI condemns Aleema Khan’s detention
PTI Central Punjab condemned the detention, while party spokesperson retired Brigadier Mushtaq alleged that other party workers were also being detained. He also claimed at one stage that Aleema had been moved to an undisclosed location.
The party has characterised the detentions as a crackdown ahead of its mobilisation. Authorities, meanwhile, have cited public-order concerns in connection with preventive detention measures.
Political tensions have been building ahead of the September 27 protest, with the government warning that it will enforce restrictions on attempts to enter Islamabad in violation of court orders.