LHC seeks arguments on maintainability of petition against Aleema Khan’s detention

The Lahore High Court has sought arguments on the validity of a petition challenging the detention of Aleema Khan, sister of PTI founder Imran Khan, and her driver under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance. Aleema was detained on Sunday following her office's order for a 30-day detention or arrest. The order, citing police reports, claimed that Aleema and Ameer were detrimental to public safety and order.

The reports also mentioned their involvement in roadblocks and protests on May 9, 2023, when supporters of Imran Khan's party took to the streets against his arrest. Justice Abher Gul Khan heard the petition filed by Aleema's son, Shahraiz Khan. The court questioned whether the petitioner had first approached the relevant authority about the detention order.

Counsel Taimur Malik argued that the detention proceedings seemed to have begun after Aleema and her driver were already in custody. He claimed that the District Intelligence Committee (DIC) meeting and detention notification occurred on the same day. Malik contended that the detention notification was issued after the arrest had taken place.

The court reserved its decision on the petition's maintainability, adjourning the hearing until September 25 for further arguments. Aleema's detention came amid reports of a crackdown on the PTI ahead of a nationwide protest on September 27, calling for Imran Khan's release and constitutional supremacy. Following her detention, Aleema's two sisters were also detained under the MPO ordinance.

The petition argues that the DC unlawfully issued the detention orders and failed to follow the procedure outlined in Section 3 of the MPO Ordinance. It claims that the orders lack specific allegations and show no application of mind, and that ordinary criminal law and less restrictive measures were not considered. The petition requests the court to set aside the detention orders and declare them unlawful.