RAWALPINDI — An anti-terrorism court in Rawalpindi has postponed its verdict in a case against Aleema Khan, sister of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, until October 1, while the Lahore High Court issued notices to the Punjab government over the 30-day detention of two other sisters of the jailed PTI founder.
ATC Defers Verdict Due to Judge’s Leave
The Anti-Terrorism Court had reserved its decision on September 22 in the case against Aleema Khan and nine other accused following the completion of final arguments. The verdict was expected on Friday but was deferred because Judge Amjad Ali Shah is on leave.
The case pertains to the November 26 protest and was registered at Sadiqabad Police Station in Rawalpindi. According to reports, Aleema Khan’s lawyer did not appear before the court to present final arguments.
LHC Reviews Detention of Noreen Niazi and Dr Uzma Khan
The Lahore High Court on Thursday heard petitions challenging the 30-day detention of Noreen Niazi and Dr Uzma Khan under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) ordinance. Justice Abher Gul Khan presided over the proceedings.
Lawyers representing the two women requested the immediate suspension of their detention orders. The court declined to suspend the notifications at this stage and instead issued notices to the respondents, seeking their replies.
The Lahore deputy commissioner had ordered the detention of Noreen and Uzma for 30 days under Section 3 of the MPO on September 21, following a police recommendation. The two sisters were subsequently shifted to Kot Lakhpat Jail, where Aleema Khan had been detained a day earlier.
Legal Representation and Arguments
Lawyers Mudassar Umar and Barrister Taimur appeared on behalf of Noreen and Uzma, while lawyer Farrukh Lodhi represented the Punjab government. The court directed the relevant authorities to submit their responses to the petitions.
A separate petition concerning Aleema Khan’s detention was also heard by the Lahore High Court. Her son, Shahraiz Khan, challenged the detention orders issued against his mother and her driver under the MPO. During the September 22 hearing, the court sought arguments on the maintainability of the petition and adjourned the matter until September 25 for further arguments.
Detentions Ahead of Planned PTI Protest
The detentions came ahead of PTI’s planned nationwide protest and march towards Islamabad on September 27. The party has called for the release of Imran Khan and what it describes as supremacy of the Constitution.
The legal proceedings underscore the escalating tensions between the PTI leadership and Punjab authorities as the party prepares for mass demonstrations.
