LAHORE: In a significant development in Pakistan’s political landscape, two sisters of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan have been released from prison after the Punjab government withdrew their detention orders. Dr Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi walked out of Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat Jail on Thursday, November 12, bringing an end to nearly 53 days of detention.
The release was confirmed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) legal counsel Rana Mudassar Umer, who said the two women had returned home safely. PTI leaders also welcomed the development, describing it as a moment of relief for the former prime minister’s family.
Senior PTI leader and former federal minister Moonis Elahi announced the release, stating that the Punjab government had withdrawn the detention orders against the two sisters. However, the relief remains partial, as Imran Khan’s third sister, Aleema Khan, continues to remain behind bars.
According to party representatives, Aleema is still lodged at Kot Lakhpat Jail. PTI leaders have called for her immediate release, arguing that the detention of the former prime minister’s family members should not continue.
The three sisters were taken into custody in September under Section 3 of the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance, 1960. Aleema Khan was detained on September 20, while Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi were arrested a day later, on September 21.
The preventive detention orders were issued ahead of a planned PTI protest march towards Islamabad, with authorities citing concerns over the maintenance of public order. The initial detention period was 30 days and was subsequently extended by another month.
The continued detention prompted legal challenges before the Lahore High Court. A petition seeking the release of the three sisters was also filed by Aleema Khan’s son, Shahrez Khan. However, the court disposed of the petition after the Punjab government informed it that the detention period had been extended.
Noreen Niazi’s health had also become a matter of concern during her time in custody. She was reportedly shifted to the Punjab Institute of Cardiology in Lahore in late October after experiencing health complications. The development triggered demands from PTI leaders and family members for proper medical attention and access to relatives.
The latest release comes at a particularly sensitive time for the Khan family. Imran Khan himself remains imprisoned, while his political party continues to demand his release.
With Uzma and Noreen now free, attention has shifted to Aleema Khan and whether the authorities will withdraw her detention order as well. For the PTI leadership, Thursday’s development may offer some relief, but the larger political confrontation surrounding Imran Khan remains far from over.
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