LHC turns down request for immediate suspension of Uzma and Noreen’s detention, issues notices on plea

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has rejected a plea to immediately halt the preventive detention notices issued against Dr Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi, sisters of PTI leader Imran Khan. The sisters were arrested on Monday for 30 days under Punjab's Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance 1960 (MPO). Their detention is drawing attention as it occurs a day prior to the PTI’s scheduled nationwide protest and march to Islamabad on September 27.

The LHC granted a hearing to the petition filed by Noreen's daughter, Sakeena Niazi. Attorneys Taimur Malik and Rana Mudassir contended that Uzma and Noreen were "nonpolitical" individuals who had been detained without any valid reason. The lawyers provided evidence that Uzma had already been acquitted in a previous case, and they presented copies of two recent LHC rulings that had overturned preventive detention orders for other PTI-affiliated individuals.

The court, however, stated that it would first seek a report from the relevant authorities and hear their arguments before deciding on a suspension of Uzma and Noreen’s detention notifications. The court then issued notices to the respondents, which included the Lahore deputy commissioner, capital city police officer, Home Department secretary, and the Kot Lakhpat jail superintendent.

Punjab Inspector General Rao Abdul Kareem cautioned that anyone violating the law on September 27 would face strict consequences. The Punjab government has imposed a ban on gatherings for 13 days across the province and has prohibited inciting people to unlawful assembly. Similarly, a Section 144 ban has been enforced in Islamabad.

The Punjab government has also requested the deployment of Rangers in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, and Mianwali districts until October 5, as well as sought a downgrade of mobile and internet services at specific locations in Rawalpindi and Attock on September 27.

IG Kareem addressed the press after his appearance before the LHC, emphasizing that no one would be allowed to take the law into their own hands. He reiterated that permission was needed for holding a peaceful protest and pointed out that restrictions under Section 144 were currently in place in the province. When asked about any submitted application seeking permission for a protest, the police chief stated he was unaware of any such request and that the district commissioner could provide further details.