Archive · 21 Sep 2026
Imran Khan’s Sisters Detained Before PTI Protest March
Police in Pakistan detained Imran Khan’s three sisters before a protest planned by his political party.
The sisters are Aleema Khan, Dr Uzma Khan, and Noreen Khan, who was also identified as Noreen Niazi in one report.
They were sent to Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore for up to 30 days.
Officials said two of the sisters could create problems for public safety and linked them to protests in May 2023.
PTI said the detentions were an abuse of power and politically motivated.
The party also said some relatives and children were detained, although the children were released.
PTI plans a march on September 27 to demand Khan’s release.
Government officials said the march could not block roads or shut down Islamabad.
Police detained Aleema Khan, Dr Uzma Khan, and Noreen Khan in Lahore under Punjab’s Maintenance of Public Order law.
The three sisters were ordered held for 30 days and sent to Kot Lakhpat Jail.
Authorities said Uzma and Noreen could threaten public safety and linked them to the May 9, 2023 protests.
PTI called the detentions political victimisation and alleged that relatives and children were also taken into custody; the children were later released.
The detentions came before PTI’s planned September 27 march demanding Imran Khan’s release, which officials said would not be allowed to disrupt Islamabad.
- Who
- Imran Khan’s sisters Aleema Khan, Dr Uzma Khan, and Noreen Khan were detained; PTI and Pakistani authorities gave different accounts of the action.
- What
- The three women were ordered detained for 30 days under Punjab’s Maintenance of Public Order law and sent to Kot Lakhpat Jail.
- When
- Aleema Khan was detained on Sunday, while Uzma Khan and Noreen Khan were detained on Monday, before PTI’s planned September 27 protest.
- Where
- The detentions took place in Lahore, Punjab province, Pakistan, and the sisters were sent to Kot Lakhpat Jail.
- Why
- Authorities cited public safety and the maintenance of public order, while PTI said the detentions were politically motivated and linked to the party’s campaign for Khan’s release.
PTI’s Position
Authorities’ Position
Meaning of the detentions
PTI’s Position
PTI called the action an abuse of authority, a violation of fundamental rights, and political victimisation. It alleged that police abducted the sisters and detained relatives and children.
Authorities’ Position
The detention orders said the sisters were prejudicial to public safety and could create a law-and-order situation if left unchecked.
Reasons for the action
PTI’s Position
PTI said the detentions followed the sisters’ calls for Imran Khan’s release and condemned them as illegal and unconstitutional.
Authorities’ Position
The orders alleged that Uzma Khan and Noreen Khan were involved in the May 9, 2023 protests, encouraged workers to damage public or government property, and were mobilising supporters again.
September 27 protest
PTI’s Position
PTI called for a nationwide protest and march to Islamabad to demand Khan’s release.
Authorities’ Position
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar called the protest illegal, while Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi warned that PTI would not be allowed to shut down Islamabad or disrupt public life.
- Detained people
- Aleema Khan, Dr Uzma Khan, and Noreen Khan, also identified as Noreen Niazi
- Location
- Lahore, Punjab province, Pakistan
- Detention facility
- Kot Lakhpat Jail
- Detention period
- 30 days
- Legal basis
- Punjab’s Maintenance of Public Order law, also called the MPO Ordinance
- Planned protest
- PTI’s nationwide protest and planned march to Islamabad on September 27
- Government response
- Officials said PTI would not be allowed to block roads, shut down Islamabad, or disrupt people’s lives
