PTI’s Aleema Khan detained under MPO ahead of Sept 27 protest

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan has been detained under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance for 30 days, according to an order issued by Lahore Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Ali Ijaz on Sunday.

The arrest comes on the order of the deputy commissioner Lahore Muhammad Ali Ijaz, Aaj News reported.

The order, issued on September 20 under Section 3 of the MPO, directed that Aleema Khan and Muhammad Ameer be detained and their custody placed under the superintendent of Central Jail, Kot Lakhpat.

The order also allows them to submit representations against the detention to the provincial government.

According to the order, the deputy commissioner acted on recommendations from Lahore police and intelligence officials, who described the two as posing a threat to public safety and maintenance of public order.

The order cited police reports alleging that Aleema Khan and Ameer were involved in road blockades and protests following the arrest of Imran Khan on May 9, 2023.It further alleged that they had encouraged workers to damage public and government property and were again mobilising supporters through social media and public meetings.

The reports also alleged that the two were raising slogans against the government and state institutions with the intention of provoking and inciting the public.

The order said multiple cases had been registered against them and described them as potential threats to public peace and tranquillity.

Police and intelligence officials recommended their 30-day detention under the MPO, saying the measure was necessary to maintain law and order in Lahore.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan condemned Aleema Khan’s detention, saying he had been informed about it by her sister Noreen Niazi.

In a post on X, Gohar said PTI had made clear that its September 27 protest would remain peaceful and would seek to pursue the party’s constitutional and political demands without violence or confrontation.

He said Aleema Khan’s detention under the MPO could fuel tension and called for her immediate release.

The PTI has announced the September 27 protest to demand Imran Khan’s release and what it describes as the supremacy of the Constitution. The detention comes amid reports of arrests and other measures against PTI workers ahead of the planned protest.