Pakistan Court Summons Officials Over Detention of Imran Khan's Three Sisters

The Lahore High Court has taken up the detention of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s three sisters, Aleema Khan, Noreen Niazi and Uzma Khan, amid legal challenges to their continued custody. The case has drawn attention to the treatment of Khan’s family as tensions continue between his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and the authorities. The three women were detained in September under Pakistan’s Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance, 1960, ahead of planned PTI protests demanding Imran Khan’s release. Their detention orders reportedly authorised custody for 30 days.

In court proceedings, the petitioners challenged the legality of the detentions and sought explanations from senior government and police officials. They argued that the authorities had failed to follow the required legal procedures and that continued detention infringed upon the women’s fundamental rights.  The legal dispute has also raised concerns about access to basic necessities in custody. During an earlier hearing, Uzma Khan’s husband informed the court that she had a heart condition and required regular medication. The court directed jail authorities to provide her with the necessary medicines. Lawyers also sought access to clothing, spectacles, family members and legal counsel for the detained women.

On October 21, a fresh petition was filed by Aleema Khan’s son, Shahrez Khan, seeking the release of his mother and two aunts. The petition argued that their 30-day detention orders had expired on October 19, yet they remained in Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat Jail. It asked the court to declare the detention orders unlawful and direct the authorities to release them. These are claims made in the petition, not a final judicial finding. The case unfolds amid a broader political confrontation surrounding Imran Khan’s imprisonment and PTI’s efforts to mobilise supporters. The court proceedings place renewed scrutiny on the legal basis for the detention of his relatives and the authorities’ obligations toward people held in preventive custody.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.