Lahore High Court has summoned the Punjab home secretary and the superintendent of Kot Lakhpat jail to appear in person on October 28. The order came during the hearing of a petition seeking the release of three sisters of jailed PTI founder Imran Khan.
The petition was filed by Shahrez Khan, son of Aleema Khan. It challenges the continued detention of Aleema Khan, Noreen Niazi and Dr Uzma Khan. All three remain in custody under the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance even after their detention periods ended.
Noreen and Uzma were detained for 30 days on September 21 just before a planned PTI protest. Aleema was taken into custody a day earlier on September 20. Their detention orders expired on October 19 and 20. Yet the sisters continue to stay behind bars at Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore.
During Thursday’s hearing Justice Abher Gul Khan questioned the petitioner’s counsel about why the Lahore deputy commissioner had not been named as a respondent. The lawyer explained that the detention notification issued by the deputy commissioner had already expired so the official was not included.
However Ahed Khan, husband of Uzma Khan, requested the court to summon the deputy commissioner as well. Justice Abher Gul observed that the official could not be called when he had not been made a party to the case.
The fresh petition states that the three sisters are still being held despite the expiry of the 30-day period. The family argues that the continued detention is illegal and seeks their immediate recovery.
The case has drawn attention because the sisters were held in connection with PTI’s anti-government activities. Their prolonged custody after the legal period ended has raised questions about the application of the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance.
Court proceedings will continue on October 28 when the home secretary and jail superintendent appear. The judge is expected to examine the circumstances under which the sisters remain in detention and decide on the next steps.
Supporters of the family hope the hearing will bring clarity and possible relief. Legal experts note that once a detention order expires the authorities must either release the person or obtain a fresh order through proper procedure.
The matter remains under active consideration of the Lahore High Court. All eyes are now on the next hearing date when senior provincial officials will present their position before the court.
