LAHORE: The Punjab government on Monday told the Lahore High Court (LHC) that Aleema Khan, a sister of PTI founder Imran Khan, had been provided basic facilities and essential items in jail.
Aleema was detained on Sep 20 after the Lahore deputy commissioner ordered her detention or arrest under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance.
The detention has come amid reports of a crackdown on the PTI ahead of its September 27 countrywide protest and march to Islamabad, which the party has called to demand Imran’s release from jail and mobilise people for the supremacy of the Constitution.
Assistant Advocate General Farrukh Khan Lodhi submitted a report on behalf of the Kot Lakhpat jail superintendent during the hearing of a petition filed by Shahraiz Khan, Aleema’s son.
According to the report, Aleema had been provided with a bedsheet, blanket, shoes, six suits and a towel. She was also given face wash, a toothbrush, a skincare kit and a shawl, it added.
In light of the government’s report, Justice Abher Gul Khan disposed of the petition.
The judge also directed the home secretary to decide, in accordance with the law, on the petitioner’s request seeking permission to meet Aleema.
On Sept 26, the LHC had sought a reply from the Punjab home secretary on a petition challenging Aleema’s detention. The government had asked the court to dispose of the petition, saying the home secretary had fixed Sept 28 for a hearing to review the detention order issued by the Lahore deputy commissioner.
The court, however, issued a notice to the home secretary, while Barrister Taimur Malik told the judge that Aleema was facing difficulties in receiving her medicines and other essentials in jail. The judge directed the counsel to file a separate application on the matter.
Following Aleema’s detention, her sisters, Dr Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi, were also detained for 30 days ahead of the PTI’s Sept 27 protest and march to Islamabad.
In an order dated Sept 20, the Lahore deputy commissioner directed that Uzma and Noreen be detained under the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance, 1960, stating that they were “prejudicial to the public safety and maintenance of public order”. They were to remain in custody at Central Jail, Kot Lakhpat.
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