Rana Sanaullah says Noreen Niazi’s medical tests ‘normal’

ISLAMABAD: Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah told the Senate on Thursday that all medical tests of Noreen Niazi, the sister of jailed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former prime minister Imran Khan, had returned normal after she was taken to hospital from Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat Jail.

Niazi was shifted to the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) on Wednesday after experiencing high blood pressure, according to her lawyer.

Her transfer prompted concerns from the opposition, with PTI alleging that her family had not been informed about her deteriorating health.

Responding to a query from PTI parliamentary leader Barrister Ali Zafar, Sanaullah said that Nooreen Niazi had been provided with medical facilities promptly and that, according to the information available to him, she was doing well.

He also said details would be sought regarding reports that her family had not been allowed to meet her, adding that the matter would be addressed if the allegations were confirmed.

The adviser said the PTI should seek relief through the courts in matters concerning Imran Khan’s health and meetings with him, as the former prime minister was in judicial custody.

Noreen’s detention

Noreen, Aleema Khan and Uzma Khan have been detained under the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance, 1960, since September.

Their detention was extended for another 30 days in October, according to reports submitted to the Lahore High Court, which is hearing their detention case.

Noreen’s lawyer, Rana Mudassar Umer, said she was taken to the PIC on the recommendation of jail doctors after her blood pressure rose. He also alleged that neither her family nor her legal counsel had been informed of the transfer.

A senior jail official earlier said that medicines and daily-use items were being provided to the detained sisters, while access for family members and lawyers depended on approval from the relevant authorities.

The hospital transfer has renewed scrutiny of the sisters’ detention and their access to medical care, family members and legal counsel.

Sanaullah also criticised Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman over his recent speech in the National Assembly, saying his repeated remarks had caused distress among the public.

He said the state was like a mother and that derogatory language about it was condemnable. He also urged caution when speaking about those killed in the line of duty, adding that anti-state statements were unacceptable.

Some time ago, remarks had also been made about martyrs, Sanaullah said, stressing that such matters required careful and responsible language.