Aleema Khanum, sister of Pakistan's imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan, has been arrested in Lahore ahead of planned pro-Khan protests scheduled for 27 September. The arrest, ordered by Lahore's deputy commissioner, was justified on grounds that she was mobilising her brother's supporters through social media and public meetings. Her detention comes as the government attempts to suppress widespread demonstrations planned to march to the capital, Islamabad, in support of Khan. The arrest has been condemned by Khan's party as "illegal detention," with her son demanding her immediate return.

Khanum was detained on Sunday afternoon and will be held for 30 days at Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore, according to the arrest order. Imran Khan, a former cricket star, has been imprisoned since 2023 and faces charges in over 100 cases, ranging from alleged state secret leaks to selling state gifts—all of which he maintains are politically motivated. He received his longest sentence last year: 14 years in a land corruption case, and was previously sentenced to three years for not declaring income from selling gifts. His health has reportedly deteriorated whilst in prison.