Imran Khan's Son Says More Relatives Detained as Pakistan Crackdown Grows Before PTI March

Following the arrest of jailed former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's sister, his family has claimed that several additional relatives have been taken into custody, escalating tensions ahead of a large PTI demonstration scheduled for September 27.

Khan's son, Kasim Khan, said his aunts, Dr Uzma and Noreen, along with his cousins Shershah and Shahrez, were removed from their homes without any explanation given to the family regarding the reasons for their detention or the location where they were being held. He later added that two more cousins, Azeem and Sakeenah, had also been detained.

These claims emerged a day after Aleema Khan, another of the former leader's sisters, was detained in Lahore for 30 days under the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance of 1960. Police confirmed she had been moved to Kot Lakhpat Jail.

'No reasons for arrest': Kasim Khan's allegations

"This is a disgrace. Now my Aunts Dr. Uzma and Noureen, along with my cousins Shershah and Shahrez have now been abducted as well," Kasim posted on X.

He claimed that officials had entered the relatives' homes and forced them into vehicles.

"They have broken into my aunties and cousins houses and forced them into vehicles with no explanation. No reasons for arrest have been stated. No news has been released as to where they have been taken," he wrote.

Kasim called the alleged conduct "criminal behaviour" and appealed for international attention.

In a later message, he said that two of his cousin Shahrez's children, aged four and six, were initially missing. He subsequently confirmed they were safe.

"Hearing news that my cousin's children are now safe. Meanwhile, two more of my cousins have been arrested. Azeem and Sakeenah. No reasons given. No location given," he said.

Aleema Khan held for 30 days ahead of PTI march

The latest claims come after Aleema Khan was detained on Sunday, following an order issued by Lahore Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Ali Ijaz for her detention or arrest for 30 days under the MPO.

The order pointed to concerns about law and order and public safety. According to reports, the superintendent of police for the Civil Lines Division and the district intelligence branch chief had recommended the 30-day detention.

PTI has denounced the move and called for Aleema's release.

Her son, Shahrez Khan, had earlier characterised her detention as an "abduction" and stated that the family initially had no knowledge of her whereabouts.

The march to Islamabad on September 27 has been organised by PTI to demand Imran Khan's release from prison.

Imran Khan examined in Adiala Jail

These events coincide with a medical examination of Imran Khan, 73, conducted inside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.

A specialist team from the state-run Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences checked his blood pressure, cholesterol levels and eyes, according to reports citing jail sources.

PTI has voiced concerns about Khan's health and requested his transfer to Shifa International Hospital for a thorough examination and treatment.

On August 18, Pakistan's Supreme Court had ordered jail authorities to move Khan to Shifa International Hospital for medical assessment and care. Instead, he was taken to PIMS, with the government citing security concerns, before being sent back to prison.

Khan has been imprisoned since 2023 and has faced numerous legal cases since he was removed from office through a no-confidence vote in April 2022.

The new allegations concerning his family arrive less than a week before PTI supporters are set to march towards Islamabad.