LHC Seeks Reports on Aleema Khan Detention, Declines Immediate Suspension
LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) has sought reports from relevant authorities on a petition challenging the detention of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan and her driver.
Justice Abher Gul Khan heard the petition filed by Aleema’s son, Shahraiz Khan, against the detention order issued under the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance.
During Friday’s hearing, a Punjab government law officer informed the court that the Punjab home secretary had scheduled a review of Aleema Khan’s detention for September 28. The government requested that the petition be disposed of in view of the upcoming administrative review.
The petitioner’s lawyer opposed the request and asked the court to examine the detention order independently. He argued that the detention proceedings appeared to have been initiated after Aleema Khan and her driver had already been taken into custody.
The lawyer also requested that the Lahore deputy commissioner, CCPO and other relevant officials be summoned along with the original record and reports used to support the detention order.
The court did not suspend the detention order at this stage and instead sought reports from the Punjab home secretary, Lahore deputy commissioner and superintendent of jail.
Request for Family and Legal Access
During the hearing, Aleema Khan’s counsel also raised concerns about her access to family members and lawyers while in detention.
The lawyer said that access to medicines, clothes and other essential items was also an issue. The court directed the counsel to submit a written application seeking the requested access and facilities.
The application was subsequently filed, with the petitioner’s lawyer asking the court to consider it.
Aleema Khan’s Detention
Aleema Khan was detained on September 20 after the Lahore deputy commissioner ordered her detention for 30 days under Section 3 of the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance, 1960. The order also named her driver, Muhammad Ameer.
The authorities’ order cited concerns related to public safety and maintenance of public order.
The petition challenging the detention argues that the order was unlawful and that the required procedure was not properly followed. The petitioner’s counsel has also questioned the timing of the detention proceedings.
The government, meanwhile, has placed the September 28 review before the court as the next administrative step.
Imran Khan’s Other Sisters Also Detained
Aleema Khan’s sisters, Dr Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi, were also detained for 30 days under the MPO Ordinance shortly afterward.
The Lahore High Court on Thursday declined an immediate request to suspend their detention notifications and sought replies from the relevant authorities.
The detentions have taken place ahead of PTI’s planned September 27 protest and march towards Islamabad.
The LHC’s proceedings concerning Aleema Khan’s detention will continue as the court reviews the reports from the relevant authorities and the matter proceeds alongside the September 28 administrative review.
