Punjab extends detention of Imran Khan’s sisters by 30 days under MPO, LHC informed

The Punjab government has extended the preventive detention of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s three sisters by another 30 days, according to an official report submitted to the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday, October 26, 2026.

What transpired during LHC hearing regarding sisters' detention?

The report was submitted before Justice Abher Gul Khan by Advocate Farrukh Lodhi on behalf of the Punjab Home Department during proceedings on a habeas corpus petition challenging the continued detention of Aleema Khan, Uzma Khan, and Noreen Niazi. Following the submission of the extended detention order, the court summoned the Punjab Home Secretary and the superintendent of Kot Lakhpat Central Jail to appear in person.

Advocate Rana Mudassar Umar, representing petitioner Shahrez Khan—the son of Aleema Khan—argued that the detainees were being held unlawfully after their initial 30-day detention period lapsed. The petition seeks the immediate production and release of the three women, challenging the administration's repeated use of executive detention powers.

What are grounds of detention and legal arguments against the MPO orders?

The three sisters were initially detained in late September under Section 3 of the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance, 1960, which empowers administrative authorities to order preventive detention to avert perceived threats to public peace.

The initial orders were issued by the Lahore deputy commissioner ahead of a planned PTI protest march toward Islamabad demanding Imran Khan’s release from judicial custody. Aleema Khan was taken into custody on September 20, while Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi were detained the following day.

In the petition filed under Article 199 of the Constitution, Shahrez Khan contended that the women remained incarcerated at Kot Lakhpat Jail after their initial 30-day detention terms expired on October 19 and 20 without timely judicial oversight. The plea maintains that preventive detention cannot be used by the executive to bypass ordinary criminal law or suppress constitutional rights of political assembly, arguing that the detainees are not implicated in any substantive criminal offenses.

The High Court, which had previously sought formal replies from the provincial home department and jail authorities while declining interim relief, is scheduled to hear direct arguments from the summoned senior officials as it reviews the constitutional validity of the fresh 30-day extension.