LHC seeks reports on detention of Imran Khan’s sisters, Noreen’s health

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday sought reports from Punjab’s home secretary and prison authorities regarding the continued detention of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s sisters, Aleema Khan, Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi.

The court also directed officials to provide details about Noreen’s reported illness and the denial of family meetings with the detained women.

Justice Abher Gul Khan issued the directions while hearing petitions filed by Sakina Niazi and Shahraiz. The judge asked the Punjab home secretary to explain the extension of the sisters’ detention and sought a report from prison authorities on Noreen’s medical condition.

Inspector General of Prisons Mian Salik Jalal was also directed to submit a report on whether the detained women had been allowed to meet their family members. Further proceedings on the petitions were adjourned until 2pm on Monday.

During the hearing, the petitioners’ lawyer, Rana Mudassar Umar, told the court that Noreen was seriously ill and had been admitted to the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC). He also submitted an application seeking judicial intervention over her health.

The sisters were taken into custody in September under Section 3 of the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance, 1960, ahead of a planned PTI protest march towards Islamabad. Aleema was detained on September 20, while Uzma and Noreen were arrested a day later.

Their initial detention orders were issued for 30 days. However, the authorities subsequently extended the detention for another month.

According to the petitions, the deputy commissioner issued a notification on October 7 extending the detention after the initial period expired. The petitioners challenged the decision, arguing that the extension was unlawful.

They also alleged that the detained women had been denied access to their family members and legal counsel. The petitioners asked the court to declare the October 7 notification illegal and order relief against their continued detention.

Meanwhile, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja criticised the authorities while speaking to reporters at the high court. He alleged that Aleema and her driver had been taken into custody before the detention notification was issued. He said the driver, who worked on daily wages, had also been arrested.

Raja expressed concern over the difficulties faced by families and lawyers in meeting detainees, saying that even court intervention had not ensured access to those in custody.

He alleged that people could be detained at any time and questioned the ability of courts to provide relief under the prevailing circumstances. He also criticised the use of colonial-era laws, arguing that such legislation was being used to restrict citizens’ freedoms.

The PTI secretary general said his party would continue to organise protests and raise public concerns over political and national issues. He maintained that political parties had a responsibility to speak against inflation, unemployment and violations of constitutional rights.

Raja further said Imran Khan was behind bars for demanding the protection of public and constitutional rights. He reiterated the party’s commitment to raising its voice for constitutional supremacy and the rule of law.

Last week, the LHC had summoned the Punjab home secretary and the superintendent of Kot Lakhpat Jail over the continued detention of the three sisters after their initial 30-day orders expired.

The detention orders had been issued on the basis of police reports alleging that the women’s activities could threaten public safety and the maintenance of public order.

The sisters challenged their detention before the high court, seeking the cancellation of the orders and their immediate release. On September 25, the court declined to suspend the detention notifications against Uzma and Noreen at that stage and sought responses from the relevant authorities.