LHC closes Aleema Khan facilities petition

Jail report lists clothes, bedding and toiletries provided during detention

LAHORE:

The PML-N's Punjab government on Monday told the Lahore High Court (LHC) that Aleema Khan, a sister of PTI founder Imran Khan, had been provided basic facilities and essential items in jail.

Assistant Advocate General Farrukh Khan Lodhi submitted a report on behalf of the Kot Lakhpat jail superintendent during the hearing of a petition filed by Shahrez Khan, Aleema's son.

On September 20, the Lahore deputy commissioner ordered Aleema's detention under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (3-MPO). The move came ahead of the PTI's planned protest march which was earlier scheduled for September 27 but was later postponed till October 4.

Later, Shahrez approached the LHC, seeking basic facilities and access to his mother during her detention. Advocate Rana Mudassar Umar appeared on his behalf.

The petition alleged that the Septuagenarian sister of Imran was being deprived of basic facilities in jail and requested the court to direct the authorities to provide her with medicines and clothes. He also requested the court to allow her access to family members and lawyers.

Resuming the hearing, Justice Abher Gul Khan sought a report from the superintendent of Kot Lakhpat jail by 2pm on Monday regarding the facilities available to Aleema.

In his report, later submitted to the court, Assistant Advocate General Lodhi stated that Aleema had been provided with a bedsheet, blanket, shoes, six suits and a towel. She was also given face wash, a toothbrush, a skincare kit and a shawl, it added.

In light of the report, Justice Abher disposed of the petition. The judge also directed the home secretary to decide, in accordance with the law, on the petitioner's request seeking permission to meet Aleema.

During the previous hearing on September 26, the petitioner's counsel had told the court that Aleema was experiencing difficulties in receiving her medicines and other essential items while in jail.