LAHORE, Nov 12: Noreen Niazi and Dr Uzma Khan, sisters of former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan, have been released from Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat Jail, according to sources.
The sources said PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan played an important role in securing their release. Lahore Tribune could not independently verify the release order or the grounds on which the two women were freed.
Detention Began Ahead of PTI’s September Protest
Authorities took Noreen and Uzma into custody on September 21 under Section 3 of the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance, 1960, a day after their sister Aleema Khan was detained. The initial orders provided for 30 days of preventive detention. The detentions came ahead of PTI’s planned September 27 protest and march towards Islamabad.
On September 24, the Lahore High Court declined a request to immediately suspend the detention orders for Noreen and Uzma and sought replies from the authorities. In late October, the court disposed of a petition seeking the release of all three sisters after the Punjab government said it had extended their detention by another 30 days on the recommendation of the Lahore deputy commissioner.
Court Ordered Family Visit After Noreen’s Hospital Transfer
Noreen’s lawyer said she was taken to the Punjab Institute of Cardiology on October 28 after developing high blood pressure. On November 2, while hearing challenges to the detention extensions, the Lahore High Court directed jail authorities to arrange a meeting between Noreen and her two daughters.
