Imran khan's sisters Noreen Niazi and Uzma khan released from jail after 50 days

Imran Khan's sisters Noreen Niazi and Dr. Uzma Khan were released from Lahore's Kot Lakhpat Jail on Thursday after nearly 50 days in detention, their lawyer announced on X. The Punjab government had held them under public order laws ahead of a planned PTI protest.

Is Noreen Niazi the sister of Imran Khan?

Yes. Noreen Niazi and Dr. Uzma Khan are sisters of PTI founder Imran Khan, who remains in prison. Both were freed from Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore after nearly 50 days in detention. Their lawyer said they arrived home safely. A third sister, Aleema Khanum, remains in detention.

How did the release of Imran Khan's sisters happen?

Lawyer Rana Mudassar Umer announced the release on X. "Dr. Uzma Khan and Ms. Noreen Niazi have been released. They have arrived home safely," he wrote.

The two women were handed over to Noreen Niazi's daughter, Hajra Niazi, following their release.

Why were Noreen Niazi and Uzma Khan detained?

The Punjab government ordered their detention under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance, 1960. The law allows authorities to order preventive detention on public order grounds.

Their detention came ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) planned Sept. 27 protest and march toward Islamabad. The party had announced the march to demand the release of its founder, Imran Khan.

According to the detention orders, authorities accused Noreen and Uzma of mobilizing PTI workers, encouraging protests and potentially disrupting public order. The orders also cited allegations that they were involved in the May 9, 2023, protests and encouraged party workers to damage public and government property.

Authorities further alleged that the two women used social media platforms and public gatherings to mobilize supporters and raise slogans against the government and state institutions.

Was the detention challenged in court?

Yes. The detention was challenged in the Lahore High Court. Their families questioned the legality of the orders and argued that the orders lacked specific grounds for holding the women.

On Oct. 7, the Punjab government extended the detention of Noreen, Uzma and their sister Aleema Khanum by another 30 days. The extension followed recommendations from the Lahore deputy commissioner.

What happened to Noreen Niazi's health during detention?

Noreen was transferred from Kot Lakhpat Jail to the Punjab Institute of Cardiology on Oct. 28 after experiencing high blood pressure and cardiac-related symptoms. She was later returned to prison after receiving medical treatment.

Aleema, another sister of the PTI founder, remains in detention.