LHC Questions Petition on Aleema Khan Detention
The Lahore High Court on Tuesday asked for arguments on the maintainability of a petition that challenges the detention of Aleema Khan and her driver under the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance.
Aleema Khan was detained after the Lahore deputy commissioner ordered her detention for 30 days, citing police reports that she and her driver were prejudicial to public safety. The reports linked them to roadblocks and protests on May 9, 2023, when PTI supporters protested Imran Khan’s arrest.
The petition was filed by Aleema’s son, Shahraiz Khan, and was heard by Justice Abher Gul Khan. The counsel, Barrister Taimur Malik, argued that the detention notice was issued after the arrest and that the DIC meeting and notification occurred on the same day.
The court will examine the maintainability of the petition and has adjourned the hearing to September 25 for further arguments. The detention comes amid a crackdown on PTI ahead of its September 27 protest march to Islamabad.
Aleema’s detention also led to the arrest of her sisters, Dr Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi, under the MPO. The petition claims the deputy commissioner failed to follow procedural requirements and that the orders lack specific allegations.
