Imran Khan's sister, the former prime minister of Pakistan, has been arrested ahead of public demonstrations planned to support Khan next week.
On 20 Sep 2026 GMT+7, international news agencies cited the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party revealing that Alima Kanum, sister of Imran Khan, the former Pakistani prime minister currently in custody, has been arrested ahead of upcoming protests in support of Khan next week.
Kanum was arrested in Lahore, in eastern Pakistan, on Sunday afternoon. The PTI party condemned the arrest as unlawful detention, while her son called for her immediate release.
The arrest warrant, issued by Lahore's Deputy Commissioner, accused Kanum of inciting Imran Khan's supporters “through social media and public gatherings,” and stated she would be detained for 30 days.
Kanum has consistently criticized Khan's arrest and detention, frequently speaking with his supporters and the media.
Police confirmed Kanum's arrest to BBC News, stating she would be held at Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore as per the order.
Many link her arrest to the nationwide protests scheduled for 27 Sep, when demonstrators plan to march toward Islamabad, Pakistan's capital.
Currently, several roads in Islamabad are blocked with shipping containers to protect government offices. Pakistan's Interior Minister said the protests harm the country, and the government will do everything possible to prevent the gatherings.
Imran Khan has been detained since 2023 after being sentenced to three years in prison for failing to declare income from gifts received while prime minister. He faces over 100 other charges, all of which he claims are politically motivated.
Last year, Khan was sentenced to 14 years in a corruption case involving land, the longest sentence he has received. While imprisoned, his health has deteriorated. Last month, he was hospitalized for treatment before being returned to prison.
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Source:bbc