The Lahore High Court on Friday asked authorities for a detailed report on a petition challenging the detention of Aleema Khan, sister of PTI founder Imran Khan. Police had taken her into custody under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order law on September 20 in Lahore and moved her to Kot Lakhpat jail.
A day after her arrest, her sisters Noreen Niazi and Uzma Khan were also detained under the same law after police recommendations. These actions took place just before PTI planned a nationwide protest and a long march toward Islamabad on September 27. The party is demanding the release of Imran Khan and full respect for the Constitution.
Aleema Khan’s son filed the petition in court. He also named her driver in the same plea. Justice Abhar Gul Khan heard the case. Lawyer Rana Mudassir told the court that the detention order was illegal and based on wrong facts. He pointed out that medicines and clothes for Aleema Khan were not being allowed inside the jail. The lawyer asked the court to call the superintendent of police and the deputy commissioner in person so they could explain the situation. He also requested clear orders for medicines and clothes to reach her.
Justice Khan noted that the request about medicines and clothes should come through a separate application. A new petition was then filed seeking permission for medicines, clothes, and visits by family members and lawyers. The Punjab Home Department and other officials were made respondents in that plea.
On Thursday, the same judge had already issued notices to the Punjab government on petitions against the detention of Noreen Niazi and Uzma Khan. At that stage the court refused to suspend the detention orders but asked the respondents to file their replies.
The family continues to argue that the detentions under the MPO law are unjust and that basic needs of the detainees must be met without delay. The court is now waiting for the official report before deciding the next steps in the matter.
