Three sisters of Pakistan's former prime minister, Imran Khan, who is currently in prison on corruption charges, have been arrested as part of a government effort to suppress a planned nationwide protest demanding his release. The three sisters—Aleema Khan, Uzma Khan, and Noreen Niazi—were detained under a warrant accusing them of threatening public order and were given 30-day jail sentences. Their lawyer, Rana Mudassir Umar, said the arrests followed the sisters’ active advocacy for their brother’s release since his imprisonment in 2023. He added that they had been cut off from family contact for six months, and Khan reportedly has been denied access to essential medical care for an eye condition. The arrests of Khan’s sisters represent a significant escalation in the government’s crackdown on members and supporters of Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, which is preparing for a nationwide demonstration scheduled for Sunday. The protest, referred to as a “long march,” aims to demand Khan’s release and challenge the ruling coalition government, which is accused of undermining democracy and the constitution. The sisters hold political roles within PTI and have been involved in legal battles over their brother’s detention, including staging protests outside his prison. This is the first time all three have been arrested and jailed together. Aleema Khan was arrested in Lahore on Sunday as she was traveling to a private club, and her driver was also detained. Uzma and Noreen were arrested around 3 a.m. on Monday after holding a press conference in Lahore to condemn Aleema’s detention at her home. According to their lawyer, hundreds of police officers surrounded the family home, and more than 100 entered to arrest the sisters, along with their children, grandchildren, and household staff. The house was raided, and all phones were seized. By 7 a.m. on Monday, the children and grandchildren had been released, but the three sisters remained in custody and were charged under Pakistan’s Maintenance of Public Order law. Umar said the sisters had been denied access to family, legal counsel, and even basic necessities like clothing. They have filed a challenge against their arrests in Lahore’s high court and are awaiting a hearing. While Pakistan is officially governed by a civilian coalition government, the military is widely seen as the country’s most influential force, led by Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir. Munir had a falling out with Khan during his time as prime minister, and the current government, which came to power in a 2024 election, is alleged to have been rigged with military support to prevent Khan’s party from regaining power. Khan’s two sons, who are based in London and are fighting for his release, accused Munir of a "personal vendetta" against their father and alleged that authorities are "slowly killing" him in prison. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the government would "find a permanent solution" to stop the planned march and prevent it from disrupting the country. Despite Khan’s long incarceration, he remains Pakistan’s most popular politician, and officials fear large crowds may attend the march. The protest comes amid widespread public discontent, driven by an economic crisis, fuel shortages, and anger over Khan’s alleged mistreatment. Many believe the government is trying to crush the protest with heavy security and arrests, fearing it could lead to a larger political upheaval.