Imran Khan’s family says three of the jailed former prime minister’s sisters have been detained in Lahore ahead of a September 27 march on Islamabad demanding his release, according to a report by Al Jazeera. The protest is part of a growing movement by supporters of Khan, who has been imprisoned since August 2023.

Sisters Detained, Government Confirms One Arrest

Authorities have confirmed that Aleema Khan, one of the former prime minister’s sisters, was ordered to be held for 30 days. The family and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party have not provided details about the other two sisters but said their detentions are part of a pattern of actions against supporters of the former leader.

Imran Khan, who led Pakistan for four years before being removed from office in a no-confidence vote, has been held in prison since August 2023. His supporters have staged multiple protests demanding his release and alleging that the charges against him are politically motivated.

Protest Scheduled for September 27

The planned march on Islamabad, scheduled for September 27, is intended to pressure the government to release Khan and address what his supporters describe as a campaign of harassment against him and his family. The PTI said the march would include thousands of supporters and would highlight the “unjust treatment” of the former prime minister.

According to PTI officials, the detentions of the sisters come days before the protest and are meant to discourage public demonstrations. The party said it would continue its efforts to mobilize support and ensure that the voices of Khan’s supporters are heard.

Government Remains Silent on Broader Detentions

While the government confirmed the 30-day detention of Aleema Khan, it did not comment on the detentions of the other two sisters. PTI has accused the government of using legal and administrative tools to silence dissent and suppress political opposition.

Imran Khan’s family has consistently criticized the legal proceedings against him, calling them “biased” and “politically motivated.” The family has also raised concerns about the conditions in which Khan is being held and has demanded access to him for medical evaluations.

Supporters of Imran Khan have taken to social media to express their outrage over the detentions of the sisters and to call for the former prime minister’s release. Hashtags such as #FreeImran and #JusticeForKhan have gained traction, reflecting the growing public sentiment in favor of the former leader.