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

The Punjab government has informed the Lahore High Court that Aleema Khan, sister of PTI founder Imran Khan, has been given basic facilities and essential items while in jail. Aleema was detained on September 20 following an order from the Lahore deputy commissioner under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance. This comes amid reports of a crackdown on the PTI in anticipation of a nationwide protest to demand Imran Khan's release, which has been postponed until October 4.

Assistant Advocate General Farrukh Khan Lodhi presented a report to the court on behalf of Kot Lakhpat jail superintendent, stating that Aleema had been provided with a bedsheet, blanket, shoes, six suits, a towel, face wash, a toothbrush, a skincare kit, and a shawl. Justice Abher Gul Khan dismissed the petition and directed the home secretary to decide on the petitioner's request for permission to meet Aleema, according to the law.

On September 26, the LHC had requested a response from the Punjab home secretary regarding the petition challenging Aleema's detention, which was set for a hearing on September 28. However, the court issued a notice to the home secretary, while Barrister Taimur Malik requested the court to file a separate application on the matter.

Following Aleema's detention, her sisters, Dr Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi, were also arrested for 30 days ahead of the PTI's protest and march to Islamabad, which has been rescheduled for October 4.