The Lahore High Court has declined to immediately suspend detention orders against two sisters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, keeping them behind bars as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf prepares for a major showdown with authorities.
Justice Abher Gul Khan on Thursday heard petitions challenging the detention of Noreen Niazi and Dr Uzma Khan, who were placed under 30-day preventive custody under the Maintenance of Public Order ordinance. While the court issued notices to the Punjab government and other respondents seeking their replies, it rejected lawyers’ pleas for immediate release.
The detention orders, issued by the Lahore deputy commissioner on September 21 following police recommendations, resulted in both women being transferred to Kot Lakhpat Jail. They joined their sister Aleema Khan, who had been detained a day earlier under similar provisions.
The timing of these detentions has raised eyebrows across Pakistan’s political landscape. PTI has scheduled a nationwide protest and march toward Islamabad for September 27, demanding the release of Imran Khan and what the party calls restoration of constitutional supremacy. The former cricket star turned politician has been imprisoned for months on various charges his supporters claim are politically motivated.
Legal representatives Mudassir Umar and Barrister Taimur argued on behalf of the detained sisters, while Farrukh Lodhi appeared for the Punjab government. The court’s decision means the women will remain in custody at least until authorities respond to the notices.
Aleema Khan’s detention followed a different pattern. She was apprehended while leaving for a gym in Lahore on Sunday and subsequently moved to Kot Lakhpat facility. Her son Shahraiz Khan filed a separate petition challenging detention orders issued against both his mother and her driver.
That petition faced preliminary hurdles when the court questioned its maintainability during a September 22 hearing. The matter was adjourned until September 25 for further legal arguments.
The use of the Maintenance of Public Order law allows authorities to detain individuals preventively for up to 90 days without formal charges, ostensibly to maintain peace and security. Critics argue such powers are frequently deployed to silence political opposition and prevent legitimate democratic expression.
As Pakistan heads toward what could be one of the largest opposition demonstrations in recent months, the detention of Imran Khan’s family members has intensified political tensions. PTI supporters view these actions as attempts to intimidate the party’s leadership and discourage participation in the planned protest.
The coming days will test both Pakistan’s judicial system and its commitment to political freedoms as courts weigh individual liberty against government claims of maintaining public order during a period of heightened political mobilization.
