Pakistan Arrests Imran Khan’s 3 Sisters to Block Protests

Pakistani authorities have detained three sisters of incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan for a 30-day period under the Maintenance of Public Order law. The arrests follow a government crackdown on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party ahead of a planned nationwide protest scheduled for Sunday.

Security forces conducted raids on the family’s residence in Lahore, seizing communication devices and detaining household members before releasing minors. Legal representatives for the detainees have challenged the arrests in the Lahore High Court, citing a lack of access to counsel and basic necessities.

Prime Minister Imran Khan

The government has signaled an intent to prevent the upcoming demonstrations, which organizers describe as a "long march" against the current administration. Officials have implemented heightened security measures in Islamabad, including road blockades and increased military-adjacent police presence, to mitigate the risk of mass mobilization.

These developments occur amid ongoing allegations of judicial and military interference in the 2024 electoral process. The detention of high-profile political figures reflects an escalation in the state's strategy to neutralize opposition leadership and suppress public dissent during a period of economic instability.