LHC seeks arguments on plea challenging Aleema Khan’s MPO detention
The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday sought further arguments on the maintainability of a plea challenging the detention of PTI founder Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan and her driver, Muhammad Ameer, under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance.
LHC’s Justice Abher Gul Khan heard the petition filed by Shahrez Khan, Aleema’s son, challenging the detention orders.
On a point, the court asked the petitioner’s counsel whether he had approached the relevant authority first against this detention order. To which the counsel replied that the case is quite different from others, further arguing that it appeared that the detention proceedings were initiated after Aleema and her driver had already been taken into custody.
He submitted that the District Intelligence Committee (DIC) meeting and issuance of the detention notification took place on the same day. He implored the court that “it appears that the arrest was made first and the DIC meeting was held afterwards”. The detention notification was issued after the arrest had already taken place, he argued.
At which point Justice Khan observed that the court will examine the issue. The court is going to reserve its decision on this petition’s maintainability, the judge said.
Read: Aleema says public backs Imran’s release
On counsel’s request, however, the judge adjourned the hearing until September 25 for further arguments.
Shahrez filed a petition through advocate Rana Mudassar Umar, challenging the detention orders issued on September 20 by the Lahore Deputy Commissioner Capt (retd) Muhammad Ali Ijaz against his mother and two aunts. He argued in his petition that the DC unlawfully issued the detention orders and failed to follow the procedure prescribed under Section 3 of the MPO Ordinance.
It further argued that the orders contain no specific allegations and demonstrate no application of mind.
The petition also said that ordinary criminal law and less restrictive measures were not considered and contended that the grounds for detention were not communicated within the required period, alleging that the detention orders were issued after the arrests.
It asked the court to set aside the detention orders issued by the Lahore DC and declare them unlawful.
On Sunday, it is pertinent to mention that Aleema was detained by the authorities after the Lahore DC office ordered her detention or arrest for 30 days.
The DC’s order was based on a letter from the Lahore Capital City Police Officer (CCPO), which referred to police reports alleging that Aleema and Ameer “are prejudicial to the public safety and maintenance of public order”.
Read more: PTI condemns Aleema Khan’s arrest as Lahore DC orders 30-day detention
According to the order, the reports also alleged that the two were involved in roadblocks and protests on May 9, 2023, when PTI supporters and workers took to the streets following Imran’s arrest.
The order further stated that multiple cases had been registered against the two and described them as posing a potential threat to public peace and tranquillity.
Aleema was detained amid a crackdown on PTI ahead of its planned countrywide protest and march to Islamabad on September 27. The party has announced the protest to demand Imran’s release from jail and mobilise people for the supremacy of the Constitution.
It is also pertinent to mention that following Aleema’s detention, her two sisters, Dr Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi, were also detained under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) law.Read More