Raja calls for justice as Imran Khan’s sisters remain in detention denied of ‘fundamental rights’

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Secretary General Salman Akram Raja on Monday questioned the detention of party founder Imran Khan’s sisters, saying they were being deprived of fundamental rights without any specific charges and urged courts to order their immediate release.

Imran’s three sisters were detained under Section 3 (Power to arrest and detain suspected persons) of the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance 1960 in Lahore ahead of the party’s planned September 27 march towards Islamabad. Aleema was taken into custody on September 20, while Uzma and Noreen were detained a day later. Authorities issued 30-day detention orders, citing concerns related to public order. On September 21, PTI challenged the detentions in the Lahore High Court (LHC).

Talking to the media outside the LHC today, Raja said Aleema had been in custody for nine days and questioned the legal basis of her detention. He said the arrests were made “based on an apprehension”.

“What is the justification for the cruel treatment being meted out to Imran’s sisters?” Raja asked, adding that detentions under the MPO were based on apprehensions rather than formal charges.

The PTI leader further argued that restricting access to family members and lawyers, as well as food and medicines, did not have any justification under the Constitution and law.

Read: LHC declines stay on Imran sisters’ detention

Speaking to the media, Raja further stated that excessive force was used during the arrests, claiming that more than 100 police officials entered the residence and broke doors during the arrests.

He asserted that such actions crossed “all limits of brutality and authoritarianism”.

“We have repeatedly presented these incidents before the court. Despite this, nine days have passed. Even if they are released afterwards, would that still be called justice?”

Raja said the party had approached the courts and urged them to order immediate relief.

The party earlier expressed “grave concern over the rumours and news circulating regarding the well-being” of Imran’s sisters.

It said that since their arrest, they had not been granted access to their family members and lawyers.

“This situation is not only extremely alarming but also raises serious questions regarding their fundamental rights. PTI demands that without any further delay, access to the prison be granted to their family and lawyers, their medical needs be fulfilled, and all concerns regarding their health and safety be addressed.”

The detention order

The order passed on September 20 stated that the Lahore police chief forwarded a request based on reports submitted by the Civil Lines Division superintendent of police and the in-charge District Intelligence Branch that claimed that Aleema and Ameer (her driver) had been involved in the May 9 protests and road blockades which motivated workers to damage public and government property. The police and intelligence reports further stated that the two were again mobilising workers through social media and public meetings, potentially creating a law and order situation.

The reports also accused them of raising what the order described as “objectionable slogans” against the government and institutions in an attempt to provoke or incite members of the public. Multiple cases, including FIR No. 96/23 registered at Race Course Police Station, were cited in support of the request for detention.

The matter was later placed before the District Intelligence Committee at a meeting held on September 20, chaired by Lahore Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Ali Ijaz.

Read more: PTI’s long march to Islamabad to kick off from Peshawar on Oct 4: K-P CM Afridi

According to the order, the committee discussed the matter and endorsed the evidence provided by the police department before unanimously recommending detention of both individuals to maintain the law and order situation in the city.

Similarly, Uzma and Noreen were detained for 30 days under the same law, a day after their sister Aleema Khan was detained.

The Lahore deputy commissioner’s orders cited police reports alleging that the two women’s activities were “prejudicial to the public safety and maintenance of public order” and linked them to the May 9, 2023 protests and road blockades. The orders also said multiple cases had been registered against them.

It is worth mentioning that the PTI leaders have announced the postponement of their long march to Islamabad till October 4.