The detention comes amid reports of a crackdown on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan’s political party, ahead of its planned countrywide protest and march to Islamabad on September 27.

The PTI has been demanding the release of Imran Khan, who remains in prison.

According to an order dated September 20, a copy of which was obtained by Dawn, Lahore Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Ali Ijaz ordered the detention or arrest of Aleema Khan and a man identified as Muhammad Ameer under the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance, 1960 (MPO).

“Their custody shall be placed under the superintendent, Central Jail, Kot Lakhpat, Lahore. They shall be at liberty to make a representation to the provincial government against this order,” the document stated.

Earlier, Aleema Khan’s son, Shahrez Khan, claimed on X that his mother had been “abducted” after leaving her home.

“My mother, Aleema Khan, was abducted after leaving home this morning. Our family has had no contact or news of her whereabouts. She is on bail in all cases against her in Lahore. We demand the government immediately disclose her whereabouts and ensure her safe return,” he wrote.

The detention comes as tensions continue to rise between authorities and PTI supporters ahead of the party’s planned September 27 protest and march in Islamabad.