Pakistani authorities on Sunday detained Aleema Khan, the sister of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, ahead of a planned protest by his party next week. Aleema was detained in Lahore and transferred to Kot Lakhpat jail, according to PTI sources. This triggered a massive outrage both within the country and abroad.
Pakistan's irony for its "superstar" cricketer-turned politician
International media is widely covering Pakistan'government's massive crackdown against the family members of a prime minister who had served for the country and is widely appreciated as the greatest all-rounders and most inspiring captains in cricket history, having represented Pakistan from 1971 to 1992.
Aleema was detained under the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance, 1960, which allows local police to arrest anyone perceived as a threat to public peace. She has been advocating for 73-year-old Khan's release from jail. He has been incarcerated since 2023.
Deputy Commissioner Lahore Muhammad Ali Ijaz issued the detention order for a period of 30 days. The action comes ahead of a planned protest by Khan''s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party on September 27 to pressure the government to release the former cricketer-turned-politician from jail.
Aleema being taken to Kot Lakhpat jail
Noreen Niazi, another sister of the PTI founder, told Geo News she received information on Aleema being taken to Kot Lakhpat jail, and added that she was taken into custody while leaving her home. "I do not know why they are so worried that they are arresting women as well," Noreen said.
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PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram condemned the arrest and demanded that Aleema be presented in court immediately. "A sister is being punished for speaking up for her brother," Akram said in a post on X.
Those detained under the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance can challenge the order in the High Court and also make a representation to the provincial government against it. Khan was ousted from power in April 2022 following a no-confidence vote, and is facing multiple legal cases.
Imran Khan undergoes medical checkup at Adiala jail: Reports
Meanwhile, on Saturday, former Prime Minister underwent a medical checkup amid concerns about his health. Geo News reported, quoting sources, that a special team from the state-run Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) conducted the former cricketer-turned-politician''s medical examination. Khan underwent a comprehensive medical checkup, including examinations for blood pressure, cholesterol and eyes.
A PIMS doctor headed the team, while medical staff from the Adiala jail hospital also assisted during the examination, the report said. Khan has complained of an eye ailment and has been shifted to PIMS multiple times for medical interventions.
Khan's supporters allege that his health has deteriorated due to lack of proper health care, a charge rejected by the jail authorities. The Supreme Court had ordered on August 18 to shift him to a private hospital for treatment, but he was instead taken to PIMS and returned to jail after various medical tests at the hospital.
Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party has demanded his transfer to the private Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for a complete medical examination and treatment, while raising concerns about his health. The party has also planned a protest on September 27 to pressure the government into releasing him.
(With inputs from PTI)