Three sisters of Pakistan’s former prime minister Imran Khan have been arrested as authorities intensify efforts to prevent a nationwide protest demanding his release.
The three sisters, Aleema Khan, Uzma Khan, and Noreen Niazi, were detained for 30 days under a warrant accusing them of threatening public order. Their arrest occurred amid a government crackdown on plans for a nationwide demonstration to demand Khan’s release and protest alleged democratic erosion. The sisters have been vocal advocates for Khan’s release since his 2023 arrest on corruption charges. They claim he has been denied family visits, medical care, and is held in solitary confinement.
Their lawyer stated that police surrounded their family home, arrested the sisters and their young children, and confiscated their phones. Aleema was arrested in Lahore on Sunday as she was travelling to a private club; her driver was also picked up by police. Uzma and Noreen were arrested at around 3am on Monday morning, after they held a press conference to condemn Aleema’s detention at her house in Lahore. According to their lawyer, hundreds of police officers later surrounded the family home as more than 100 entered to arrest Uzma and Noreen, as well as their children, grandchildren – who are four and six years old – and the household staff. The house was raided and all their phones were taken. By 7am on Monday morning, the children and grandchildren had been released but the three sisters were held and charged under the country’s Maintenance of Public Order law.
Why it matters
The arrests aim to prevent a nationwide protest that could challenge government control.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.
What to watch
Watch for police actions targeting Imran Khan's family during protest planning.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.