Islamabad: The Punjab government in Pakistan has extended the detention of former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s three sisters by another 30 days under public safety laws, an official said on Monday.
Aleema Khan, Noreen Niazi and Dr Uzma Khan are currently being held at Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore under the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance, 1960. They have been in detention for more than a month. Aleema was arrested on 20 September, while Uzma and Noreen were taken into custody the following day.
The detentions came amid efforts to mobilise public support for Imran Khan, the jailed founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
On Monday, an assistant advocate-general representing Punjab informed the Lahore High Court that the provincial government had approved a further 30-day extension of the sisters’ detention following a recommendation from Lahore’s deputy commissioner.
After being informed of the decision, the court disposed of a petition seeking the sisters’ release. The petition was filed by Shahrez, Aleema Khan’s son, who challenged the detention of his maternal aunts.
The latest extension means the three sisters will remain in custody for a further 30 days, with no immediate relief from detention.
