The Lahore High Court (LHC) has sought a reply from Punjab’s home secretary on a petition challenging the detention of PTI founder Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan.
Justice Abher Gul Khan heard the petition on Friday. The case concerns Aleema’s 30-day detention under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance.
LHC Seeks Reply From Home Secretary
During Friday’s hearing, a Punjab government law officer asked the court to dispose of the petition.
The law officer argued that the home secretary had already scheduled a hearing for September 28. That hearing will review the detention order issued by the Lahore deputy commissioner (DC).
However, Justice Abher Gul Khan issued a notice to the home secretary. The court directed the official to submit a reply to Aleema’s petition.
The development follows earlier proceedings in which the court sought arguments on whether the petition was maintainable.
Aleema’s Counsel Raises Jail Concerns
Barrister Taimur Malik also raised concerns about Aleema’s conditions in jail.
He told the court that his client was facing difficulties receiving her medicines and other essential items.
The judge directed the counsel to submit a separate application regarding the issue.
Aleema was detained on September 20 after the Lahore DC ordered her detention for 30 days. The order referred to police reports claiming that Aleema and her driver, Muhammad Ameer, were “prejudicial to the public safety and maintenance of public order”.
Petition Challenges MPO Detention
Aleema’s son, Shahraiz Khan, filed the petition through Advocate Rana Mudassar Umar.
The petition challenges detention orders issued by the Lahore DC against Aleema and her two sisters, Dr Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi.
It argues that the DC failed to follow the procedure required under Section 3 of the MPO Ordinance.
The petition also claims that the detention orders contain no specific allegations and show no proper application of mind.
Moreover, it argues that authorities did not consider ordinary criminal law or less restrictive measures before ordering preventive detention.
The petition further alleges that the grounds for detention were not communicated within the required period. It also claims that the detention orders followed the arrests rather than preceding them.
The petitioner has asked the court to set aside the orders and declare Aleema’s detention unlawful.
Aleema Detained Ahead of PTI Protest
Aleema’s detention came amid heightened action against PTI ahead of the party’s planned September 27 countrywide protest and march towards Islamabad.
PTI has linked the protest to demands for Imran Khan’s release and what it describes as the supremacy of the Constitution.
Earlier proceedings also focused on the timing of the detention process. Aleema’s counsel argued that she and her driver had already been taken into custody when the District Intelligence Committee meeting and detention notification took place.
The court said it would examine the issue before continuing with the case.
Imran Khan’s Other Sisters Also Detained
Following Aleema’s detention, authorities also detained Dr Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi under the MPO.
On Thursday, the LHC declined an immediate request to suspend their detention notifications. Instead, the court issued notices to the relevant authorities and sought their replies.
The three sisters’ detentions have therefore become the subject of separate legal proceedings before the LHC.
For now, the court has not set aside Aleema’s detention. The Punjab home secretary must first respond to the petition before the matter proceeds further.
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