Imran Khan’s two sisters released after 50 days in detention

LAHORE: Two sisters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, Noreen Niazi and Uzma Khan, were released from Kot Lakhpat Jail on Thursday after spending 50 days in detention under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) law.

Kot Lakhpat Jail Superintendent Chaudhry Ijaz Asghar confirmed their release, saying both women were handed over to Noreen’s daughter, Hajra Niazi.

However, their sister Aleema Khan remains in custody at the same prison.

Noreen’s release comes days after she was shifted to the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) in Lahore following reports of deteriorating health during her detention.

Her lawyer, Rana Mudassar Umer, had announced the hospital transfer on October 28, alleging that authorities had not informed any family member about the move.

The sisters had approached the Lahore High Court (LHC), challenging their detention and seeking the cancellation of the government orders.

On October 26, the court disposed of a petition seeking their release after the Punjab government informed it that their detention had been extended for another 30 days.

Earlier, on October 22, the LHC had summoned the Punjab home secretary and Kot Lakhpat Jail superintendent over the continued detention of the sisters despite the expiry of their initial detention period.

The three women were arrested in September under Section 3 of the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance, 1960, ahead of PTI’s planned protest march towards Islamabad.

Aleema was taken into custody on September 20, while Noreen and Uzma were arrested a day later. Their initial detention orders were issued for 30 days and subsequently extended for another month.