LHC seeks report on plea challenging Aleema Khan’s detention

The Lahore High Court on Friday sought a report on a petition challenging the detention of Aleema Khan, sister of PTI founder Imran Khan.

Justice Abher Gul Khan heard the petition filed by Aleema’s son against her detention and that of her driver. The police detained Aleema in Lahore on Sept 20 under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance, 1960. She was later moved to Kot Lakhpat jail.

Her sisters, Noreen Niazi and Uzma Khan, were also detained the following day under the same law after a police recommendation.

The detentions took place ahead of the PTI’s planned nationwide protest and march towards Islamabad on Sept 27. The party has said the protest is aimed at seeking the release of Imran Khan and upholding the Constitution.

During Friday’s hearing, Aleema’s lawyer Rana Mudassir challenged the legality of the detention order and said it was not supported by the facts.

He also told the court that medicines and clothes were not being allowed to reach Aleema in jail. The lawyer referred to an order issued by the chief justice a day earlier concerning the format of an FIR.

Mudassir asked the court to summon the superintendent of police and deputy commissioner personally and question them about the matter. He also sought directions for the authorities to provide Aleema with her medicines and clothes.

Justice Abher said the issue concerning the provision of medicines and clothes should be raised through a separate miscellaneous application. The court then sought a report from the relevant authorities on the detention petition.