LAHORE (Dunya News) – The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday sought reports from the Punjab Home Department on petitions challenging the extension of detention of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan's sisters and requesting medical treatment for one of them, Noreen Niazi.
Justice Abher Gul Khan directed the provincial Home Department to submit its reports by 2pm while hearing petitions filed by Sakeena, daughter of Noreen Niazi, and Shahrez Khan, son of Imran Khan's other sister, Aleema Khan.
Aleema Khan, Noreen Niazi and their sister Uzma Khan were detained in September under the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance, 1960, as the PTI prepared for a protest march towards Islamabad.
Their detentions came amid reports of several PTI leaders and workers being arrested ahead of the planned demonstration, which was aimed at demanding Imran Khan's release from prison.
Aleema Khan was detained on September 20 for 30 days, while Noreen Niazi and Uzma Khan were taken into custody the following day for the same period.
After the initial 30-day detention period expired last month, the detentions were challenged before the court. However, the Punjab government subsequently informed the Lahore High Court that the detention periods of the three women had been extended for another 30 days.
During Monday's hearing, petitioners' counsel Rana Mudassar Umar argued that the extensions of Aleema Khan, Noreen Niazi and Uzma Khan's detentions were unlawful.
He informed the court that after the completion of the initial 30-day detention period, the Lahore deputy commissioner had issued a notification extending their detention.
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The lawyer further claimed that the detained women had not been allowed to meet their family members or legal representatives.
He requested the court to declare the fresh detention notifications illegal and set them aside.
During the proceedings, PTI Secretary General and lawyer Salman Akram Raja informed the court that Aleema Khan's driver had also been detained. He appealed to the court to show leniency towards the driver, saying his family was deeply distressed over his detention.
After hearing the arguments, Justice Abher Gul Khan sought reports from the Punjab Home Department and observed that the matter would be examined after reviewing the submitted reports.
Meanwhile, among the three detained women, Noreen Niazi had been shifted to the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) after her health deteriorated. The transfer was made on the recommendation of doctors at Kot Lakhpat Jail, where she had been held.
Later, Prime Minister's Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah informed the Senate that Noreen was doing well after receiving medical treatment in Lahore.
On Friday, the Lahore High Court had directed Noreen Niazi's counsel to submit a separate petition seeking medical treatment and permission for family meetings with his client.