The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday declined to immediately suspend the detention orders against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s sisters Noreen Niazi and Dr Uzma Khan, while issuing notices to the Punjab government and other respondents in petitions challenging their detention under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance.
Justice Abher Gul Khan heard petitions filed against the detention orders, with lawyers representing Noreen and Uzma requesting the court to suspend the notifications at the initial stage.
The court, however, rejected the request for immediate suspension and directed the respondents to submit their replies.
Noreen, Uzma detained for 30 days
The Lahore deputy commissioner ordered the detention of Noreen and Uzma for 30 days under Section 3 of the MPO on September 21, following a recommendation from the police.
The two women were subsequently shifted to Kot Lakhpat Jail, where their sister Aleema Khan had also been detained a day earlier.
Lawyers Mudassir Umar and Barrister Taimur appeared before the court on behalf of Noreen and Uzma, while lawyer Farrukh Lodhi represented the Punjab government.
The detentions come ahead of PTI’s planned nationwide protest and march towards Islamabad on September 27. The party has said the demonstration is aimed at demanding the release of Imran Khan and what it describes as the supremacy of the Constitution.
Uzma Khan, Noreen Niazi detained under 3MPO after Aleema’s arrest
Aleema Khan’s detention also challenged
Earlier on Sunday, Aleema Khan was detained while leaving for a gym in Lahore and was later shifted to Kot Lakhpat Jail, according to sources.
Her son, Shahraiz Khan, subsequently approached the LHC, challenging the detention orders issued against his mother and her driver under the MPO.
During the September 22 hearing, the court sought arguments on the maintainability of the petition and adjourned the proceedings until September 25 for further arguments.
The latest proceedings concerning Noreen and Uzma will now continue after the Punjab government and other respondents submit their responses to the petitions.
