Imran Khan’s sisters’ detention extended by 30 days, LHC told

LAHORE: The Punjab government has extended the detention of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s three sisters by another 30 days, the Lahore High Court (LHC) was informed on Monday during a hearing on a petition challenging their continued detention.

Aleema Khan, Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi were detained under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO), 1960, ahead of PTI’s planned nationwide protests, according to a report submitted by the Punjab home secretary to the court.

During the proceedings, a government lawyer told the court that the deputy commissioner had recommended extending the detention of all three women. The Punjab government subsequently approved the proposal, allowing their detention to continue for another month.

The development comes as the sisters seek legal relief against their detention, raising questions about the grounds and duration of the administrative orders.

How the Detentions Began

Aleema Khan was detained in Lahore on September 20 and subsequently transferred to Kot Lakhpat jail. Her sisters, Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi, were detained under the same legal provision a day later, following a police recommendation.

The detentions took place ahead of PTI’s planned September 27 long march towards Islamabad, which the party intended to use to demand Imran Khan’s release and the supremacy of the Constitution.

On October 20, Aleema’s son, Shahrez Khan, filed a petition in the LHC challenging the detention of his mother and aunts.

During an earlier hearing, the petitioner’s counsel argued that the detention orders for the three women had expired on October 19 and 20, making their continued confinement a matter for judicial scrutiny.

The court subsequently directed Punjab Home Secretary and the superintendent of Kot Lakhpat jail to appear in person on October 28.

Court Seeks Government’s Position

The Punjab home secretary and the Kot Lakhpat jail superintendent appeared before the court in compliance with its earlier directions. The government’s lawyer submitted the home secretary’s report detailing the latest extension.

The additional 30-day detention means the legal challenge will continue against the backdrop of the government’s decision to maintain the orders.

The case remains significant for PTI, as the detention of Imran Khan’s close family members adds another dimension to the party’s ongoing political and legal struggle.

The outcome of the petition will determine the next legal steps concerning the sisters’ detention.