Pakistan police detain three sisters of jailed PTI chief Imran Khan

Pakistan's police have taken three sisters of Imran Khan into custody in what authorities say is a preventive measure ahead of a planned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) demonstration scheduled for September 27. The detentions come as tensions rise over demands for the release of Khan, who has been imprisoned since August 2023.

According to family members, police forcibly entered their residences, breaking down doors to reach bedrooms during the arrests. The relatives described the operations as heavy-handed, raising concerns about the manner in which the detentions were carried out.

Administrative authorities have ordered that Khan's three sisters be held in custody for 30 days. The move reflects the government's apparent strategy of pre-emptively detaining family members of opposition figures to prevent planned protests in the capital.

The arrests underscore mounting pressure on Khan's supporters and family as the PTI prepares to mobilize for a major demonstration. Khan, the party's founder, has faced multiple legal challenges and remains incarcerated despite his party's calls for his immediate release.