Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah speaking on the floor of senate on October 29, 2026. Photo: Screengrab
Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah on Thursday said the government would look into reports that the relatives of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran’s sister Noreen Niazi’s had not been allowed to meet her in custody, and would try to ensure they were granted access.
A day earlier, Noreen, 70, was admitted to Lahore’s Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) following a deterioration in her health while in custody, according to her legal counsel. He also claimed that the patient’s family was neither informed nor granted access to her during the treatment. Noreen was detained on September 21 under Section 3 of the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance, 1960, ahead of the planned PTI long march towards Islamabad.
Authorities issued initial detention orders for 30 days. Later, the detention at Kot Lakhpat Jail was extended on October 7 for another 30 days, which will end on November 20.
“Let me ask the relevant authorities about the claim that the relatives of Noreen Niazi have not been allowed to see her,” Sanaullah said during today’s Senate session.
“We will try to have her relatives granted access to her,” he added.
Speaking about Noreen’s health, Sanaullah said she had been transferred to hospital for treatment immediately after she complained of poor health. He said her condition was stable and that all her medical tests had returned normal results.
He maintained that Noreen was in jail because she allegedly wanted to create unrest in the country and had sought to attack Islamabad during the long march. He also accused her of inciting people.
Addressing concerns over the facilities available to Imran in custody, Sanaullah said reports on the ground situation, including amenities, food and other services, had been submitted to the Supreme Court.
He said there was no difference between the report submitted to the court and the report provided by the jail superintendent.
Referring to the matter of Imran’s incarceration being raised in the Senate, Sanaullah told Senator Ali Zafar that it was his responsibility as a senator to engage in discussion on the issue. However, he maintained that the matter was sub judice.
“He is under judicial custody as per law. They [PTI] have appealed to the courts, and therefore they should seek reprieve from the judiciary,” he said.
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Sanaullah also remarked that political figures could stage protests to attract media attention, but such actions should remain within the bounds of media coverage.
During the proceedings, the Senate chair called for order in the upper house as Senator Mashal Azam Yousafzai protested and interrupted during Sanaullah’s speech.
The Express Tribune had previously reported that Imran faced several health concerns in Adiala jail, including fluctuating blood pressure, anxiety and an eye condition, although medical reports indicated that his eyesight had improved following treatment.
On August 18, the Supreme Court ordered his transfer to Shifa International Hospital for treatment, weekly meetings with his family, access to his personal physician, Dr Faisal Sultan, and telephone conversations with his children. However, the government took him to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences on the night of August 20–21, citing security concerns, where specialists, including doctors from Shifa, examined him. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Imran was declared medically fit and returned to Adiala jail.
The government maintains that medical facilities and treatment will continue as required, while the PTI has criticised how his treatment is handled and whether the court’s directions are being followed.
