Pakistan, Sept. 24 -- The Lahore High Court on Thursday declined an immediate request to suspend detention orders against Imran Khan's sisters. Justice Abher Gul Khan heard the petition challenging the detention of Dr Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi. Authorities detained both women earlier this week under the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance.

Their lawyers argued that both women work as homemakers and have no political role. They told the court that authorities lacked sufficient grounds for the detentions. The lawyers also presented a trial court ruling that acquitted Dr Uzma in a previous case.

The lawyers asked the court to suspend the 30-day detention orders immediately. The Lahore deputy commissioner issued the orders. However, Just...