Legal troubles for the family of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan have intensified following a fresh administrative directive. His three sisters, Aleema Khan, Noreen Niazi, and Dr. Uzma Khan, who have spent over a month behind bars at Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore, will not be walking free anytime soon. The provincial government of Punjab has formally extended their custody for another 30 days, dashing their immediate hopes of stepping out of prison.
State Informs Lahore High Court About Custody Extension
The announcement regarding their extended detention came during judicial proceedings handling their release request. On Monday, an assistant advocate general representing Punjab informed the Lahore High Court that the provincial administration acted upon a formal recommendation from the deputy commissioner of Lahore to prolong the custody of all three sisters by another 30 days. Once the state counsel presented this official detention order, the court formally disposed of the petition that had sought their immediate release.
Petition Filed by Aleema Khan's Son Disposed of by Court
The legal challenge against the detention had been brought before the high court by Shahrez, the son of Aleema Khan. In his petition, he contested the legality of the detention orders slapped on his mother and maternal aunts, seeking a court order to set them free. However, the submission of the executive order continuing their detention effectively concluded that particular court proceeding, leaving the family to evaluate their upcoming legal steps.
Detention Enforced Under Public Order Ordinance
Provincial authorities have kept the three women confined under the provisions of the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance, 1960. This statutory framework is routinely invoked by provincial authorities to preserve general law, peace, and public order. According to official records, law enforcement personnel initially detained Aleema Khan on September 20, while Dr. Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi were taken into custody on the following day.
Efforts to Rally Support for Jailed PTI Founder Led to Arrests
The administrative crackdown was initiated after the sisters actively engaged in mobilization efforts to gather supporters around Imran Khan, the jailed founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Imran Khan remains a pivotal and polarizing figure in the country's political landscape, with his followers consistently organizing demonstrations to demand his release from prison. With the 30-day extension now in place, attention shifts to how the family and party legal representatives navigate the next phase of litigation.
