Key Takeaways
- LHC turned down a request to suspend the preventive detention of Uzma and Noreen Khan, sisters of Imran Khan.
- The sisters were detained under the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance 1960 ahead of PTI’s Sept 27 protest.
- Punjab IG warned against violating the law during the planned protest and imposed restrictions across the province.
The Lahore High Court (LHC) has rejected a request to immediately suspend the preventive detention of Dr Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi, sisters of PTI founder Imran Khan. The sisters were taken into custody on Monday for 30 days under the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance 1960, just a day after their sister Aleema Khan was detained.
Appearing as their counsel, Barrister Taimur Malik and Advocate Rana Mudassir argued that both women were 'non-political' and had been detained despite having no justification for their detention. They informed the court that Uzma had already been acquitted in a case registered against her, and a copy of the trial court’s decision declaring her innocent was on the case record.
The court issued notices to the respondents, including the Lahore deputy commissioner (DC) and capital city police officer (CCPO), the Home Department secretary, and the Kot Lakhpat jail superintendent. Justice Abher said the court would first seek a report from the relevant parties and hear their position before deciding the request for suspension.
Separately, Punjab Inspector General (IG) Rao Abdul Kareem warned that anyone violating the law on Sept 27 would be dealt with strictly. The Punjab government has already imposed a ban on gatherings across the province for 13 days and prohibited inciting people to unlawful assembly. A similar ban under Section 144 has been enforced in Islamabad too.
The Punjab government has also requested deployment of Rangers in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, and Mianwali districts until Oct 5, as well as sought a downgrade of mobile and internet services at specific locations in Rawalpindi and Attock on Sept 27.
Speaking to reporters after appearing before the LHC on Thursday, IG Kareem said he wanted to convey a clear message that no one would be allowed to take the law into their hands. He maintained that no one would be subjected to discriminatory treatment and that citizens would be dealt with without distinction as per the law.
Responding to a query, the police chief said he was not aware of any application seeking permission for a protest and pointed out that restrictions under Section 144 were currently imposed in the province. He added that permission was required for holding a peaceful protest.
The court’s decision and the warnings from the Punjab IG reflect the ongoing tensions ahead of the PTI’s planned protest and march to Islamabad on Sept 27. The sisters’ detention and the government’s measures highlight the political climate in Pakistan as the opposition party prepares for a major demonstration.
The court would first seek a report from the relevant parties and hear their position before deciding the request for suspension.
Justice Abher Gul Khan, Justice of the Lahore High Court
No one would be allowed to take the law into their hands.
Rao Abdul Kareem, Punjab Inspector General
