The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday declined to immediately suspend the detention orders issued against Dr Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi, sisters of PTI founder Imran Khan.
Justice Abher Gul Khan heard petitions challenging their 30-day detention under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance.
The court issued notices to the relevant authorities and sought their responses before deciding whether to grant any relief.
Lawyers Seek Immediate Suspension
The petitions were filed by Noreen Niazi’s daughter, Sakeena Niazi. Barrister Taimur Malik and Advocate Rana Mudassir appeared on behalf of the two women.
The lawyers argued that Uzma and Noreen were non-political and had no justification for their detention.
They also informed the court that Uzma had already been acquitted in a separate case. A copy of the trial court’s decision was presented before the bench.
The counsel further referred to recent orders from the LHC’s Multan bench, which set aside preventive detention orders against two PTI-affiliated individuals.
They requested the court to immediately suspend the detention notifications. However, Justice Abher said the court would first hear the respondents’ position.
Punjab Authorities Asked to Respond
The LHC issued notices to the Lahore deputy commissioner, capital city police officer, Home Department secretary and Kot Lakhpat jail superintendent.
The authorities must now submit their responses to the petitions.
Uzma and Noreen were detained for 30 days on September 21 under Section 3 of the MPO after a police recommendation. They were subsequently shifted to Kot Lakhpat Jail.
Their detention came a day after their sister Aleema Khan was also detained under the MPO.
The detentions took place ahead of PTI’s planned September 27 protest and march towards Islamabad. The party has called for the demonstration to demand Imran Khan’s release and what it describes as constitutional supremacy.
Punjab IG Warns Against Law Violations
Separately, Punjab Inspector General Rao Abdul Kareem warned that anyone violating the law during the September 27 activity would face action.
The Punjab government has imposed restrictions on public gatherings under Section 144 amid preparations for the planned protest.
The government has also sought Rangers deployment in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali until October 5, along with restrictions on mobile and internet services at selected locations in Rawalpindi and Attock.
The Punjab police chief said permission was required for a peaceful protest while Section 144 remained in force.
He also said citizens would be treated according to the law without discrimination.
PTI Protest Remains Scheduled for September 27
The government has warned against marching towards Islamabad or blocking roads during the planned protest.
The Islamabad High Court has also ruled that political parties and their leadership do not have a lawful right to occupy public roads, highways, interchanges, toll plazas or government buildings in Islamabad.
Meanwhile, the government has highlighted the potential economic impact of prolonged strikes, sit-ins and road closures.
The LHC will now consider the detention petitions after receiving responses from the concerned authorities. For the moment, Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi remain in custody under the 30-day MPO orders.
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