The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday directed the relevant authorities to submit a report concerning the detention of Aleema Khan, sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan. Aleema was taken into custody on September 20 in Lahore under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order, 1960 (MPO) and subsequently transferred to Kot Lakhpat jail.
Following this, her sisters Noreen Niazi and Uzma Khan were also detained under the same provision on police recommendation. These detentions occurred just before PTI’s planned nationwide protests, including a long march to Islamabad scheduled for September 27, aimed at demanding Imran Khan’s release and asserting constitutional supremacy.
In response, Aleema’s son filed a petition challenging her detention along with that of her driver. During the hearing, Justice Abhar Gul Khan presided over the case, where counsel Rana Mudassir argued that the detention order lacked legal basis and contradicted factual circumstances. Mudassir highlighted that the chief justice had recently issued directives concerning the FIR’s origin and raised concerns that Aleema was being denied essential medicines and clothing in jail.
He urged the court to summon the superintendent of police and deputy commissioner in their personal capacities to explain the situation. Additionally, Mudassir requested orders to ensure Aleema’s access to medicines and clothing. Justice Khan advised that such requests be pursued through a separate miscellaneous application.
Subsequently, a petition was filed seeking provision of medicines and clothing for Aleema in custody, as well as access for her family members and legal representatives. The Punjab Home Department and other officials were named as respondents in this plea.
Meanwhile, on Thursday, Justice Khan issued notices to the Punjab government and other respondents regarding petitions contesting the detentions of Noreen Niazi and Uzma Khan under Section 3 MPO. The court declined to suspend the detention orders at this stage but called for official responses from the respondents.
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