Noreen Niazi, the sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former prime minister Imran Khan, was shifted from Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat jail to the Punjab Institute of Cardiology on Wednesday after experiencing heart-related discomfort, according to her lawyer.
Lawyer Rana Mudassar Umar confirmed the development, saying Noreen complained of discomfort while being held at the prison. She was subsequently transferred to the cardiology hospital for medical evaluation.
Doctors were conducting her initial medical tests to assess her condition. However, no further details about her health or the results of the examinations were immediately available.
Her hospitalisation comes amid the continued detention of Imran Khan’s sisters, Noreen Niazi, Uzma Khan and Aleema Khan, following their arrests in Lahore in September.
Noreen Niazi Shifted to Cardiology Hospital
According to lawyer Rana Mudassar Umar, Noreen experienced heart-related discomfort during her detention at Kot Lakhpat jail, prompting authorities to transfer her to the Punjab Institute of Cardiology.
The hospitalisation has drawn attention to her health while she remains in custody. Doctors began conducting preliminary medical examinations following her arrival at the facility.
Further information regarding her condition, treatment and whether she would be returned to prison had not been disclosed at the time of reporting.
The development comes as the PTI founder’s family continues to face legal and political challenges linked to the sisters’ detention.
Noreen and Uzma Khan Detained Since September 21
Noreen and Uzma Khan have been detained under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO), 1960, since September 21, when they were taken into custody in Lahore and subsequently transferred to Kot Lakhpat jail.
Their arrests came a day after police detained their sister, Aleema Khan, under the same legal provision in Lahore.
Section 3 of the MPO empowers authorities to order preventive detention in certain circumstances related to public order. The provision has been used in cases involving political activists and individuals accused of posing a threat to public peace.
The three sisters’ detention has remained a subject of legal proceedings, with their family challenging the government’s actions in court.
Detentions Linked to PTI Protest Plans
The arrests took place ahead of PTI’s planned nationwide protest campaign, which included a proposed long march towards Islamabad on September 27.
The party’s demonstrations were aimed at demanding Imran Khan’s release and calling for the supremacy of the Constitution.
Imran Khan, who was removed from office in April 2022 through a parliamentary vote of no confidence, has remained at the centre of Pakistan’s political dispute. His party has repeatedly called for his release, while the government has maintained its position in legal proceedings involving the former premier and his supporters.
The detention of his sisters ahead of the planned demonstrations added another dimension to the political tensions surrounding the PTI and its leadership.
Punjab Government Extends Detention by 30 Days
The Punjab government recently extended the detention of all three sisters by another 30 days, according to a report submitted to the Lahore High Court (LHC).
The extension means the sisters will remain in custody under the relevant orders, subject to further legal proceedings or any subsequent judicial intervention.
Aleema Khan’s son, Shahrez Khan, had challenged the detention of the former prime minister’s sisters before the Lahore High Court.
The petition questioned their continued detention and sought legal relief against the government’s decision.
However, the court subsequently disposed of the petition after examining a report submitted by the Punjab home secretary. The report confirmed that the government had extended the sisters’ detention for another month.
The court’s disposal of the petition followed its review of the government’s report, rather than an announcement that the sisters had been released.
Medical Condition and Legal Proceedings Await Further Developments
Noreen Niazi’s transfer to the Punjab Institute of Cardiology has brought renewed attention to the circumstances of her detention and her medical condition.
While doctors continue their initial assessment, further information about her health remains awaited.
The development also comes as the legal proceedings surrounding the detention of Imran Khan’s sisters continue to unfold.
For now, the immediate focus remains on Noreen’s medical evaluation, while the family’s challenge to the detention orders remains part of the wider political and legal developments involving the PTI leadership.
