Aleema provided basic facilities, essential items in jail, Punjab govt tells LHC

The Punjab government informed the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday that Aleema Khan, sister of PTI founder Imran Khan, has received essential items and basic amenities while incarcerated. Aleema was detained on September 20 following a directive from the Lahore deputy commissioner under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance.

This detainment occurred amidst concerns of a possible crackdown on the PTI ahead of their planned protest and march to Islamabad on September 27, aimed at advocating for Imran's release and emphasizing the supremacy of the Constitution. Assistant Advocate General Farrukh Khan Lodhi presented a report to the court on behalf of the Kot Lakhpat jail superintendent as part of a petition filed by Aleema's son, Shahraiz Khan.

According to the report, Aleema was provided with a bedsheet, blanket, shoes, six suits, and a towel, along with face wash, a toothbrush, a skincare kit, and a shawl. These provisions came in response to the government's assertions, leading to Justice Abher Gul Khan dismissing the petition. The judge additionally instructed the home secretary to adjudicate on the petitioner's request for permission to visit Aleema.

On September 26, the LHC had requested a reply from the Punjab home secretary concerning a petition challenging Aleema's detention. The government had proposed the court to conclude the matter by September 28, when the detention order issued by the Lahore deputy commissioner was to be reviewed. However, the court issued a notice to the home secretary, with Barrister Taimur Malik informing the judge that Aleema was experiencing challenges in obtaining her medications and essential items within the prison.

The judge subsequently ordered the counsel to submit a separate application addressing this concern.

Following Aleema's detention, her sisters, Dr Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi, were also placed under 30-day detention before the PTI's September 27 protest and march to Islamabad. An order issued on September 20 directed that Uzma and Noreen be detained under the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance, 1960, citing their "prejudicial nature to public safety and maintenance of public order." They were to be held at Central Jail, Kot Lakhpat.