LHC Reviews Extended Detention of Imran Khan’s Sisters

The Lahore High Court on Monday examined petitions challenging the continued detention of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan’s three sisters, directing provincial authorities to provide official reports on the matter. The proceedings also addressed a request for medical care and family access for Noreen Niazi.

Justice Abher Gul Khan heard petitions submitted by Sakeena Niazi, the daughter of Noreen Niazi, and Shahrez Khan, the son of Aleema Khan. The court instructed the Punjab Home Department to present its reports as it considered the legality and circumstances of the extended detention orders.

Aleema Khan was initially detained on September 20 for 30 days, while Noreen Niazi and Uzma Khan were taken into custody the following day for a similar period. The actions were taken under the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance, 1960, ahead of a planned PTI protest march towards Islamabad seeking Imran Khan’s release.

Petitioners’ counsel Rana Mudassar Umar argued that the renewed detention orders were unlawful. He told the court that the Lahore deputy commissioner issued fresh notifications extending the detention periods after the original 30-day orders expired and asked the judge to set those extensions aside.

The lawyer further maintained that the detained women had not been permitted to meet their relatives or legal representatives. PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja also raised the detention of Aleema Khan’s driver, asking the court to consider the hardship being faced by the driver’s family.

Noreen Niazi’s health became a separate concern after she was transferred from Kot Lakhpat Jail to the Punjab Institute of Cardiology on the recommendation of jail doctors. Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah subsequently told the Senate that she was doing well after receiving treatment in Lahore.

The case follows an earlier court direction requiring Noreen Niazi’s counsel to file a separate application for medical treatment and permission for family meetings. The latest hearing has brought the extended use of preventive detention powers and the detainees’ access to lawyers, relatives and healthcare under closer judicial examination.

Justice Abher Gul Khan said the petitions would be considered after the requested official records were reviewed. The reports are expected to clarify the grounds for extending the detention orders and help the court determine whether the provincial authorities acted within the law.