Summary
The Lahore High Court on Tuesday asked lawyers to argue whether a petition against Aleema Khan’s detention can be legally heard at all. Aleema Khan, sister of PTI founder Imran Khan, has been held since Sunday under a 30-day order issued by the Lahore deputy commissioner. The judge reserved her decision on maintainability and adjourned the case till September 25.
Background
Aleema Khan was picked up along with her driver, Muhammad Ameer, and both are currently confined at Lahore Central Jail. The detention order was issued under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance, a colonial-era law that allows authorities to detain a person for up to 30 days without a criminal trial if they are deemed a threat to public order.
The order relied on a letter from Lahore’s capital city police officer, which in turn cited police reports describing Aleema and her driver as a risk to public safety. Her legal team has disputed this characterization from the outset, arguing the move was politically motivated rather than based on any genuine security concern.
Details of the Hearing
Justice Abher Gul Khan heard the petition, which was filed on behalf of Aleema Khan by her son. During the proceedings, the judge questioned why the petition had been brought directly to the high court without first approaching the appropriate forum, a standard procedural query in detention challenges.
Aleema Khan’s lawyers argued that her case differs from routine detention matters. They pointed out that the detention review and the formal detention notification were issued on the same date, which they say suggests she may have been arrested before any detention order legally existed.
Her counsel also told the court that the detention report referenced her alleged involvement in the May 9 riots, even though she had reportedly already been cleared in that investigation. They questioned how a case in which she was found not present at the scene could now form the basis for her confinement.
Quotes and Legal Arguments
Counsel for Aleema Khan told the court that the arrest appeared to have taken place before the district intelligence committee meeting that authorized it, suggesting a procedural gap in how the order was processed. The court was also told that bail remained pending in two or three separate cases against her.
Justice Khan indicated the bench would examine the sequence of events closely before ruling on whether the petition could proceed. She reserved her decision on maintainability for a later date.
Impact
The case has drawn wider attention because it comes just days before PTI’s planned march toward Islamabad on September 27. Legal observers say the outcome could influence how courts treat similar detention orders issued against other party leaders and workers ahead of the protest.
The dispute also raises broader questions about the use of the MPO Ordinance against political figures rather than individuals directly linked to public disorder.
Conclusion
The Lahore High Court has adjourned the hearing to September 25, when lawyers on both sides are expected to present further arguments on maintainability. Until then, Aleema Khan and her driver remain in custody at Lahore Central Jail, and her legal team is pressing for an expedited ruling given the ongoing detention.
FAQs
Is Aleema Khan a sister of Imran Khan?
Yes. Aleema Khan is one of the sisters of PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan, and she has been a vocal advocate on issues related to his imprisonment.
Where is Aleema Khan now?
According to her petition, Aleema Khan is currently held at Lahore Central Jail along with her driver, following her detention under the MPO Ordinance. Her case is pending before the Lahore High Court, with the next hearing set for September 25.
Is Dr. Uzma Khan Imran Khan’s sister?
Yes. Dr Uzma Khan is another of Imran Khan’s sisters and was separately detained for 30 days around the same time as Aleema Khan, ahead of PTI’s planned September 27 protest.
