Pakistan Detains Imran Khan's Sisters Ahead of PTI March
Authorities in Pakistan have placed former PM Imran Khan's sisters and PTI activists under administrative detention ahead of a planned protest in Islamabad.
Key points
- Imran Khan's sisters and PTI activists were detained under the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance.
- The government has vowed to stop the PTI march in Islamabad on September 27 using all possible means.
- Amnesty International USA describes the pre-emptive arrests as a violation of rights to liberty and assembly.
Pakistani authorities have moved to detain members of former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s family and activists from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. These pre-emptive arrests occurred in the days leading up to a nationwide protest scheduled for September 27, raising concerns about the state of civil liberties in the country.
According to Amnesty International USA, the targeting of Khan’s relatives and party workers constitutes a flagrant violation of rights to liberty and peaceful assembly. The organization notes that such measures reflect the severity of current restrictions on political expression and association in Pakistan.
Family Members Placed Under Detention
On September 20, Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan was placed under administrative detention at Central Jail in Lahore for 30 days. The following day, her sisters Noreen Niazi and Uzma Khan were also taken into custody. While Noreen and Uzma remain in detention under the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance, other family members including nieces and nephews were released after brief periods in police custody.
The detentions extend beyond the immediate family, with several PTI members of parliament and dozens of party workers also taken into custody. Some workers have reportedly been released only after signing affidavits stating they will not participate in the upcoming demonstrations.
Government Stance on Planned Protests
Government officials have openly vowed to stop the planned march towards Islamabad. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that no group will be allowed to enter the capital on September 27, asserting that the government will use every possible means to prevent the assembly.
The Islamabad High Court has ruled that political parties do not have the right to occupy public roads or government buildings. Roadblocks are already being erected in the capital, signaling a heavy security presence ahead of the scheduled date.
Context of Imran Khan's Imprisonment
Imran Khan has been imprisoned in Adaila Jail for three years, serving concurrent sentences for corruption and state gifts. PTI plans to use the September 27 march to demand his release and improved access to healthcare and legal visits while he remains in detention.
Amnesty International urges Pakistani authorities to immediately release the detained relatives and workers. The organization emphasizes that a protest cannot be deemed violent before it has begun and calls for upholding international human rights obligations regarding peaceful assembly.
