LHC orders heart medication for Imran Khan’s sister

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday directed jail authorities to ensure that Dr Uzma Khan, sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, receives her prescribed heart medication while in detention.

Justice Abher Gul Khan issued the order during a hearing on a petition challenging the preventive detention of Imran Khan’s three sisters, Aleema Khan, Noreen Niazi and Dr Uzma Khan.

During the proceedings, Uzma’s husband, Ahad Khan, informed the court that she suffered from a heart condition and required three medicines daily. He requested that the authorities ensure the timely delivery of her medication in jail.

The petitioner’s counsel, Rana Mudassar Umar, also sought permission for Noreen to receive clothes, medicines and spectacles during her detention. He argued that these items were essential necessities and that access to them was a fundamental right.

The lawyer further requested permission for family members and legal representatives to meet the detained women. He also urged the court to summon the Lahore Capital City Police Officer and the deputy commissioner in person to explain the circumstances surrounding the detention orders.

After hearing the arguments, the court directed the jail authorities to provide the required medication to Uzma. However, it reserved its decision on the request to summon the officials.

The petition was filed on October 6 by Sakeena Niazi, daughter of Noreen Niazi, challenging the detention of the three women.

Uzma and Noreen were detained for 30 days on September 21 under the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance (MPO). Their detention came ahead of PTI’s planned protest, initially scheduled for September 27 and later postponed to October 4. Aleema Khan had been detained a day earlier, on September 20.

In an earlier hearing, the high court had sought a report from the authorities regarding the provision of medicines, clothing and other basic facilities to the detained women. On September 24, it had declined to suspend the detention orders against Uzma and Noreen immediately.

The detentions took place amid heightened political tensions and reports of a crackdown on PTI supporters ahead of the party’s planned march to Islamabad. The party had called for Imran Khan’s release and demanded the supremacy of the Constitution.

Earlier this month, Imran Khan’s cousin, Qasim Zaman, was also taken into custody after visiting Adiala Jail to meet the former prime minister.