Two sisters of Pakistan's jailed former prime minister Imran Khan have been released from prison, local media reported on Thursday, ending weeks of detention that had become a focus of the country's political debate.

Reuters reported on Thursday that Usma Khan and Naureen Niazi — also known as Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi — had been released from prison, citing media reports. ARY News reported that the two women had been freed from Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore.

Weeks in detention under public order powers

Noreen Niazi and Dr Uzma Khan were detained on 21 September under Section 3 of the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance, 1960, a day after their sister Aleema Khan was taken into custody in Lahore. The three women were held at Kot Lakhpat Jail ahead of a planned PTI protest march.

Their initial 30-day detention orders expired in October, but the Punjab government told the Lahore High Court it had extended the detention by a further 30 days. The court later disposed of a petition seeking their release after being told of the extension.

Health concerns during detention

Noreen Niazi, 70, fell ill in jail and was moved to the Punjab Institute of Cardiology in Lahore on 28 October after heart-related discomfort, before being returned to jail on doctors' advice. Days before the release, reports citing unnamed sources said a release on medical grounds could come within 48 hours.

A day earlier, an Islamabad anti-terrorism court granted bail to Aleema Khan and Uzma Khan in a case registered at Kohsar police station, according to Independent News Pakistan. The reports of Thursday's release named Noreen Niazi and Uzma Khan; there was no confirmation about Aleema Khan.

Imran Khan remains imprisoned at Adiala Jail, and his family and party continue to campaign for his release.