Archive · 21 Sep 2026
Kasim Khan Alleges Family Abductions Ahead of PTI Protest
Kasim Khan is the son of jailed former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan.
He said several relatives were taken from their homes.
He alleged that authorities forced them into vehicles without explaining why.
He also said the family did not know where some relatives had been taken.
Kasim later said two more cousins were detained.
Two young children briefly went missing during the confusion but were found safe.
The claims came before a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, or PTI, protest planned for September 27.
The protest is meant to call for Imran Khan’s release.
Authorities cited public-order concerns in connection with some detentions, while PTI said the arrests were being used to suppress its activities.
Kasim Khan alleged that his aunts Uzma and Noureen and cousins Shershah and Shahrez were taken from their homes and forced into vehicles.
He said authorities had not explained the arrests, disclosed detention reasons, or revealed where the relatives were taken.
Kasim later alleged that cousins Azeem and Sakeenah were also detained.
The children of Shahrez, aged four and six, briefly went missing amid the confusion but were later found safe.
The allegations came ahead of PTI’s September 27 nationwide protest demanding Imran Khan’s release, amid wider tensions and arrests.
- Who
- Kasim Khan made the allegations about several relatives, including Uzma, Noureen, Shershah, Shahrez, Azeem and Sakeenah.
- What
- He alleged that family members were abducted or detained without explanation, while PTI prepared a protest demanding Imran Khan’s release.
- When
- The allegations emerged ahead of PTI’s planned nationwide protest on September 27.
- Where
- The alleged detentions reportedly followed entries into relatives’ homes; Aleema Khan was detained in Lahore and taken to Kot Lakhpat Jail.
- Why
- Kasim said no reasons had been provided for the alleged arrests. Authorities cited public-safety and public-order concerns in the detention order for Aleema Khan.
PTI and Family Allegations
Authorities’ Public-Order Position
Nature of the detentions
PTI and Family Allegations
Kasim Khan described the alleged arrests and abductions as criminal behavior and said relatives were taken without explanation or disclosure of their whereabouts.
Authorities’ Public-Order Position
The available reports do not provide a detailed official response to Kasim’s allegations, but authorities cited public-safety and public-order concerns in Aleema Khan’s detention order.
Political context
PTI and Family Allegations
PTI and Imran Khan’s supporters allege that legal proceedings, arrests and restrictions are politically motivated and intended to suppress the party’s activities.
Authorities’ Public-Order Position
Authorities have defended the legal action and cited public-order concerns amid preparations for PTI’s nationwide protest.
Response to Aleema Khan’s detention
PTI and Family Allegations
PTI condemned Aleema Khan’s arrest and demanded her immediate release, along with the release of other detained family members.
Authorities’ Public-Order Position
A Lahore deputy commissioner ordered her 30-day detention under the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance.
- Main allegation
- Kasim Khan said several aunts and cousins were taken from their homes and forced into vehicles.
- Named relatives
- The allegations involved Uzma, Noureen, Shershah, Shahrez, Azeem and Sakeenah.
- Children
- Shahrez’s children, aged four and six, briefly went missing but were later found safe.
- Aleema Khan
- Imran Khan’s sister was detained in Lahore for 30 days under Section 3 of the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance.
- Detention location
- Aleema Khan was reportedly transferred to Kot Lakhpat Jail.
- Planned protest
- PTI announced a nationwide protest march for September 27 to demand Imran Khan’s release.
- Imran Khan’s custody
- The former prime minister has remained in prison since August 2023 in connection with multiple legal cases.
