Pakistan Extends Detention of Imran Khan's Three Sisters for Another Month

The Punjab government in Pakistan has extended the detention of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan's three sisters by another 30 days under a public safety law.

Detention Details

Aleema Khan, Noreen Niazi and Dr. Uzma Khan remain held at Lahore's Kot Lakhpat Jail. Ms. Aleema was initially detained on September 20, while her sisters were taken into custody the following day during a crackdown on efforts to build support for the jailed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder. An assistant advocate general of Punjab informed the Lahore High Court on Monday that the government prolonged the detention on the recommendation of the Lahore deputy commissioner. The court subsequently disposed of a release petition filed by Ms. Aleema's son, Shahrez.

Reactions

Petitioner counsel Rana Mudassar Umar previously noted that the sisters stayed in jail even after their initial 30-day term ended on October 20. Lahore High Court Justice Abher Gul Khan had earlier ordered the Punjab home secretary and jail superintendent to submit replies. PTI leaders slammed the Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, for keeping the sisters locked up when they face no criminal charges. Former federal minister and PTI leader Moonis Elahi called the detention illegal and politically motivated, stating that preventive detention is being used to target the party and demanding their immediate release.

Context

Preventive detention laws allow governments to hold individuals without trial to maintain public order or prevent actions deemed harmful to the state. Former Prime Minister Imran Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023 amid numerous legal battles.