Michael Polak files urgent UN complaint demanding release of Aleema Khanum, sister of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan
Michael Polak has today filed an urgent submission to the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD) demanding the immediate and unconditional release of Mrs Aleema Khanum – the 68-year-old sister of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan – following her arrest and detention by Pakistani authorities on 20 September 2026.
Mrs Khanum was seized outside her home in Lahore, along with her driver and vehicle. The Pakistani authorities have confirmed that Mrs Khanum is being held under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance, a preventative detention provision that allows the Government to detain individuals for up to six months without charge, trial, or any judicial authorisation.
Michael’s submission sets out in detail a sustained and escalating campaign of state repression targeting Imran Khan, his family, and supporters of his political party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Mrs Khanum currently faces approximately sixty to seventy nominated cases, all arising from her peaceful advocacy – her son was himself temporarily seized and detained under the same MPO provisions.
In his submission, Michael argues that Mrs Khanum’s detention is unlawful on multiple grounds under international human rights law.
Commenting on the situation, Michael said: “The arrest of Aleema Khanum is a brazen act of political repression. She is a 68-year-old woman whose only ‘offence’ has been to speak up for her brother and to advocate peacefully for democracy in Pakistan. This is not law enforcement; it is an unlawful effort to silence legitimate protest and political opposition.”
“It appears that the Pakistani Government believes going after Imran Khan’s family will prevent the protest planned for 27 September 2026 from going ahead. In all likelihood, however, it will galvanise support and attendance for the march.”
“I am urging the United Nations Working Group to treat this submission with the utmost urgency. The international community – and the British Government in particular – must speak out clearly and demand Ms Khanum’s immediate release.”
Michael Polak specialises in representing individuals facing state persecution and unlawful detention across the world, and is recognised in The Legal 500 as a Leading Junior – he is also shortlisted for Junior of the Year at The Legal 500 Bar Awards 2026.
