LAHORE (Web Desk) — Noreen Niazi, the detained sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, was shifted from Kot Lakhpat jail to the Punjab Institute of Cardiology on Wednesday after developing high blood pressure, her lawyer said.
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Rana Mudassar Umer, Niazi’s counsel, told Dawn that she was taken to the hospital on the recommendation of jail doctors at around 7:30pm. Hospital sources said doctors were conducting medical tests.
Umer claimed that the family had not been informed about the deterioration in her health. He also alleged that jail authorities had repeatedly denied medicines to Imran Khan’s sisters.
According to the lawyer, Uzma Khan, who has a heart condition, was also allegedly denied medication until it was provided following an order by the Lahore High Court after her husband approached the court.
However, a senior jail officer rejected the allegations, telling Dawn that medicines and daily-use items were permitted and that all three sisters were receiving such supplies.
Detention extended under MPO
Noreen, Aleema Khan and Uzma Khan have been detained since September 21 under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance, 1960, on the orders of the Lahore deputy commissioner.
The three women are serving a second 30-day detention period after their detention orders were extended on October 7, according to the report.
Umer said the initial detention orders were due to expire on October 19 for Aleema and October 20 for Noreen and Uzma. However, the sisters remained in custody following the extension.
The lawyer further alleged that the authorities had not allowed family members or legal counsel to meet the detained women. He said he had submitted several petitions to the Punjab home secretary and Lahore deputy commissioner seeking permission for such meetings, but had received no response from the deputy commissioner.
A senior jail officer said permission for meetings fell within the jurisdiction of the Lahore deputy commissioner. The officer added that jail authorities could facilitate meetings upon receiving a written order naming the visitors.
Court proceedings and political context
On September 24, the Lahore High Court declined a request to immediately suspend the preventive detention notifications issued against Noreen and Uzma.
The detentions came as the PTI prepared for a planned protest march towards Islamabad, demanding Imran Khan’s release and calling for the supremacy of the Constitution.
Earlier this month, Imran Khan’s cousin Qasim Zaman was also taken into custody when he visited Adiala jail to meet the former prime minister.
The allegations concerning access to medicines and family meetings have been disputed by jail authorities.
