Summary Aleema Khan, Noreen Niazi and Dr Uzma Khan have remained in custody for nearly three weeks under the MPO Ordinance
LAHORE (Muhammad Ashfaq) - The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday sought a report by October 12 on the provision of basic facilities to incarcerated sisters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan.
Aleema Khan, Noreen Niazi and Dr Uzma Khan have remained in custody for nearly three weeks under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance. Noreen and Uzma were detained for 30 days on September 21, shortly before the PTI’s planned September 27 protest, which was subsequently moved to October 4. Aleema’s detention had taken place a day earlier, on September 20.
Justice Abher Gul Khan heard petitions filed by Shahrez, son of Aleema Khan, and Sakina Bibi, daughter of Uzma Khan. Advocate Rana Mudassar Umar appeared on behalf of the petitioners.
During the hearing, the petitioners’ counsel requested that Noreen Niazi and Uzma Khan be provided with essential items, including medicines, clothes and books.
The judge observed that the sisters had been given clothes and medicines but had subsequently claimed that nothing had been provided to them.
In response, the counsel said the items had been supplied only in compliance with court orders. He submitted that 19 days had passed without the requested medicines and clothes being provided and urged the court to order the delivery of other basic necessities as well.
Justice Abher Gul Khan directed the petitioners to submit a written list of the items they required, explaining that only the articles specifically authorised by the court would be allowed inside the jail.
When the counsel sought permission to send food items as well, the judge said such items could not be permitted.
The lawyer also requested a hearing on the main petition challenging the sisters’ detention. The court, however, indicated that the immediate issue of providing medicines and clothes should be addressed first and asked the counsel to decide whether to pursue the main petition or the miscellaneous applications.
During the proceedings, a government lawyer submitted a report regarding Aleema Khan’s detention, informing the court that her application was pending before the Home Department. The court subsequently disposed of the petition challenging her detention.
The hearing on the applications concerning basic facilities for Noreen Niazi and Uzma Khan was adjourned until October 12.
Separately, following the court proceedings, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja said the party would not enter into any agreement that compromised its principles.
He said the lives of ordinary citizens were paramount and added that the party would not support any course of action that resulted in the loss of innocent lives or the displacement of people.
