LHC Seeks Report on Facilities for Imran’s Sisters in Jail
The Lahore High Court on Friday sought a report from jail authorities on the provision of medicines, clothes and other basic necessities to the incarcerated sisters of PTI founder Imran Khan.
Aleema Khan, Noreen Niazi and Dr Uzma Khan have been in detention for nearly three weeks under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance.
The hearing
Justice Abher Gul Khan took up civil miscellaneous applications filed by Aleema’s son, Shahrez Khan, and Noreen’s daughter, Sakeena Niazi. The applications, filed earlier this week, alleged that the detainees had been denied medicines and meetings with their family members and counsel.
Counsel for the petitioners, Rana Mudassar Umar, told the court that 19 days had passed since the detentions, but the three sisters had not been provided with medicines and clothes.
Justice Khan observed that Aleema had been provided with clothes and medicines. The counsel, however, maintained that the items had been supplied only after court orders and that nothing had been provided earlier.
Mr Umar requested the court to direct the jail authorities to provide Noreen with books, medicines and other essential items as well. The judge asked the counsel to specify the items required, observing that only those approved by the court would be allowed into the jail.
The counsel sought permission to provide medicines, clothes, books and food items to the three sisters. The judge said the court would seek reports from the jail superintendent on the applications. The hearing was adjourned until October 12.
Detentions under the MPO
Dr Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi were detained for 30 days on September 21, ahead of the party’s September 27 protest call, which was later postponed to October 4. Aleema Khan was detained a day earlier, on September 20.
The sisters’ detention has drawn repeated attention from the family, with relatives earlier claiming the women had gone on hunger strike in protest at their treatment in custody.
Detention petition disposed of
Separately, the Lahore High Court on Friday disposed of a petition challenging the detention of Aleema and her driver, Muhammad Amir, after expressing satisfaction with a report submitted by the Punjab Home Department.
Justice Abher Gul Khan heard the petition filed by Shahrez Khan, who had challenged the detention orders against his mother and her driver.
During the hearing, a provincial law officer submitted a report on behalf of the Home Department, stating that applications seeking redressal of the petitioner’s grievances had been filed with the department. The law officer informed the court that the relevant appellate authority would decide the applications in accordance with the law.
After expressing satisfaction with the report, the judge disposed of the petition.
What happens next
The jail superintendent’s report on medicines, clothes and other necessities will be before the court when the hearing resumes on October 12. The outcome will determine what items the family is permitted to supply to the detained sisters.
The case sits against the backdrop of a wider standoff between the federal government and the PTI, with the Centre weighing emergency options in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as the party’s long march moves through the province.
Frequently asked questions
What did the LHC order on Friday?
The Lahore High Court sought a report from jail authorities on the provision of medicines, clothes and other basic necessities to Imran Khan’s three sisters, and said only court-approved items would be allowed into the jail.
Who are the detained sisters?
Aleema Khan, Noreen Niazi and Dr Uzma Khan, detained under the MPO Ordinance. Aleema was detained on September 20, and Uzma and Noreen on September 21.
What happened to the detention petition?
The LHC disposed of a separate petition challenging the detention of Aleema Khan and her driver after expressing satisfaction with a report from the Punjab Home Department.
When is the next hearing?
October 12, when the jail superintendent’s report is expected to be placed before the court.
