Two of Imran Khan’s sisters, Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi, were released from custody on November 12, 2026, after being detained since September 21. Their release follows the withdrawal of extended detention orders, which had kept them incarcerated for a total of 53 days. The sisters were initially held under Section 3 of the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance, 1960, ahead of a planned protest march by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.

The Lahore Deputy Commissioner, Muhammad Ali Ijaz, had described the sisters as potential threats to public safety, alleging their involvement in protests that occurred on May 9, 2023. These protests were marked by violence and damage to public property. Their legal counsel, Rana Mudassar Umer, confirmed that the release was secured after the Punjab government withdrew the extended detention orders.

Despite their release, the circumstances surrounding it have raised questions. The withdrawal of the detention orders was not prompted by a court ruling, which indicates that the authorities may have acted under political pressure. The sisters’ detention had previously been challenged in the Lahore High Court, where the Punjab government had sought to extend their detention without judicial oversight.

Govt Response to Speculation

In the wake of the sisters’ release, Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, addressed growing speculation regarding a possible deal between the government and Imran Khan. He categorically dismissed these rumours, stating that no behind-the-scenes negotiations were taking place to secure Khan’s release. Naqvi emphasised that any legal relief for Khan and his family would depend solely on the courts.

Naqvi’s comments came during a press briefing at the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency in Lahore. He remarked that the circulating rumours were simply a narrative that would fade over time. The interior minister reiterated that the legal rights of Khan and his family would be respected, and any relief granted would be at the discretion of the judiciary.

Imran Khan, who served as Prime Minister from August 2018 until April 2022, has been imprisoned since August 5, 2023, facing multiple legal challenges. He is currently serving a 14-year sentence related to a land corruption case and is held at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. His ongoing legal troubles include over 100 cases ranging from corruption to leaking state secrets.

Health Concerns and Ongoing Detention

In addition to the release of his sisters, renewed attention has been drawn to Imran Khan’s health. On the night of November 10–11, 2023, he was transported from Adiala Jail to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad for an eye procedure. Doctors administered an injection to address central retinal vein occlusion, a condition affecting his vision. He was discharged shortly after the procedure and returned to prison.

While two of his sisters have been released, the third, Aleema Khan, remains incarcerated. She was also detained ahead of the PTI’s planned protest march. The political landscape surrounding Khan’s imprisonment continues to evolve, with speculation about potential negotiations between Khan and the military establishment surfacing intermittently.

In August 2023, a PTI spokesperson suggested that Khan might not confront Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir if released, hinting at a willingness to set aside personal grievances for the country’s interest. However, the civilian government has publicly opposed any relief for Khan, insisting on adherence to legal protocols. As the situation develops, the implications of Naqvi’s statements regarding a potential deal remain to be seen.

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