The Lahore High Court on Thursday summoned the Punjab home secretary and the Kot Lakhpat jail superintendent to explain why three sisters of former prime minister Imran Khan remain in custody after their detention orders reportedly lapsed.
Justice Abher Gul Khan heard the petition filed by Shahrez Khan, son of Aleema Khan, challenging the ongoing confinement of Aleema Khan, Uzma Khan, and Noreen Niazi. The court instructed both senior officials to appear in person on October 28 along with comprehensive reports on the status of the detainees.
Arguments over expired detention
During the proceedings, advocate Rana Mudassar Umar, representing the petitioner, stated that authorities had detained the three sisters under the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance, 1960. The administrative measure was taken for a period of 30 days in September ahead of planned political demonstrations by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.
The petitioner's counsel argued before the bench that the 30-day detention period had formally ended on October 19 and October 20. Despite the lapse of those orders, all three women remain confined at Kot Lakhpat jail Lahore. The petitioner contended that keeping them in custody without a valid legal order violates basic constitutional protections under Article 10, which safeguards against unlawful arrest and detention.
Procedural questions in court
During the hearing, Justice Khan questioned why the Lahore deputy commissioner had not been named as a respondent in the legal challenge. The petitioner's counsel explained that the deputy commissioner was excluded because the detention notifications originally issued by the office had already run their course and expired.
Ahad Khan, the husband of Uzma Khan, also addressed the court directly, requesting that the deputy commissioner be called to answer for the continued detention. However, the judge noted that an official who is not formally made a party to the petition cannot be summoned by the bench. The court then directed the Kot Lakhpat jail superintendent and the home department head to submit records explaining under what authority the detainees are being held.
Timeline: what has happened so far
- September: Authorities detain Imran Khan's three sisters under the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance for 30 days.
- October 19–20: The 30-day preventive detention period expires, according to counsel for the detainees.
- Wednesday: Aleema Khan's son files a petition in the Lahore High Court challenging their continued detention.
- Thursday: Justice Abher Gul Khan hears arguments and formally summons provincial officials.
- October 28: Next scheduled court hearing for official reports to be presented.
Aasan alfaaz mein
Imran Khan ki teenon behnon ki nazarbandi ki muddat khatam honay kay bawajood unhein reha nahi kiya gaya. Lahore High Court ne is baat par notice letay huay jail superintendent aur home secretary ko talab kiya hai. Adalat ne dono afsaraan ko 28 October ko pesh ho kar wazahat dainay ka hukum diya hai. Faisla anay par maloom hoga ke unki rehayi kab mumkin hogi.
