LAHORE — Former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s sisters, Dr. Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi, have been detained in Lahore for 30 days under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) law.
The Lahore deputy commissioner issued the detention orders on September 20 following a police recommendation. Authorities later shifted both women to Kot Lakhpat Jail.
Detention Challenged in Lahore High Court
A petition has been filed in the Lahore High Court challenging the detention orders against Uzma and Noreen.
The petition names the Punjab government, Home Department, Lahore deputy commissioner and other officials as respondents.
According to the petition, the deputy commissioner issued the orders unlawfully and did not follow the required procedure under Section 3 of the MPO Ordinance.
The petitioner has asked the court to declare the detention orders invalid and order the release of the two women.
Authorities Cite Public Order Concerns
The detention orders state that Uzma and Noreen could pose a threat to public safety and public order.
According to the orders, police and intelligence officials accused the two women of involvement in the May 9 protests and of mobilising supporters through social media and public meetings.
The orders also referred to cases registered against them and cited concerns about possible disruption of public order. These are allegations contained in the detention orders and have been challenged in court.
Aliema Khan Was Detained Earlier
The development came a day after authorities detained Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan in Lahore.
The Lahore deputy commissioner had also ordered her detention for 30 days under the MPO law. Police later shifted her to Kot Lakhpat Jail.
Meanwhile, lawyer Rana Mudassir said Aleema Khan’s sons, Shahrez Khan and Sher Shah, were also briefly detained but later released.
He said Uzma and Noreen were transferred to Kot Lakhpat Jail at around 2am.
Detentions Come Before PTI Protest
The detentions come ahead of PTI’s planned nationwide protest and march towards Islamabad on September 27.
The party has said the protest seeks Imran Khan’s release and demands the supremacy of the Constitution.
At the same time, the government has taken measures to prevent disruption linked to the planned march.
The Lahore High Court will now consider the legal challenge to the detention orders.
