A Rawalpindi anti-terrorism court (ATC) has again issued a non-bailable arrest warrant for Aleema Khan, sister of PTI founder Imran Khan. The court took this step after Aleema failed to appear in a hearing related to the November 26 protest case. This is the fourth time an arrest warrant has been issued against her in this matter.
The November 26 protests saw over 10,000 PTI supporters clash with 20,000 security personnel in Islamabad’s Red Zone. The party defied a public gathering ban and faced intense clashes. Eventually, PTI called off its sit-in, and police filed multiple cases under anti-terror and penal code sections. One such case, registered in Sadiqabad, was heard in Rawalpindi today.
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Out of 11 accused, 10 appeared before the ATC, with Aleema being the only one absent. The court ordered her arrest once again and expressed dissatisfaction with police reports claiming she was in hiding. The judge noted Aleema had been seen at Adiala jail and on social media, contradicting the police’s statement.
The court also issued a show-cause notice to SP Saad Arshad and DSP Naeem for submitting a “bogus report.” It summoned both officers personally for contempt of court. Additionally, the court confiscated Aleema’s surety bonds and demanded new ones worth Rs1 million. The bonds of four vehicles linked to the case were also seized.
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Aleema has repeatedly failed to appear before the court, with warrants issued on October 8, 14, and 20. Her counsel’s requests for exemption were denied. The ATC stated that Aleema is to be indicted on serious charges and must attend proceedings. The next hearing is scheduled for November 24.