RAWALPINDI – An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Rawalpindi on Monday issued a non-bailable arrest warrant for Aleema Khan, sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, over her continued absence from proceedings in a case linked to the November 26, 2024, protest.
ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah ordered police to arrest and produce Aleema Khan before the court on October 22. The warrant was issued after she failed to appear despite being summoned multiple times in connection with the protest staged by PTI last year in Rawalpindi.
Aleema Khan, Nine Others Indicted in Sadiqabad Police Station Case
The court proceedings are part of the Sadiqabad Police Station case, which involves multiple PTI leaders and workers charged for allegedly participating in violent demonstrations on November 26, 2024.
During Monday’s hearing, Aleema Khan and nine other accused were indicted. Those indicted include Sajid Qureshi, Atif Riaz, Faheem Razaq, Adalat Khan Qureshi, Mursalin Kiani, Tayyab Abbas Shah, Umar Shah Muhammad Hanif, and Ali Raza.
While Aleema Khan did not appear before the court, 10 other accused named in the same case were present during the hearing. Five prosecution witnesses also recorded their statements before the court.
Court Issues Arrest Warrant for Aleema’s Guarantor
In addition to Aleema’s non-bailable arrest warrant, the ATC also issued a non-bailable warrant for her guarantor, Umer Sharif, due to non-compliance with court directives.
Judge Amjad Ali Shah instructed the Deputy Commissioner of Rawalpindi to verify the property documents submitted by Aleema’s guarantor, ensuring their authenticity and legal standing.
Anti-Terrorism Court Indicts Aleema Khan and Nine Others in November 26 Protest Case
Background: PTI’s November 26 Protest
The November 26, 2024, protest in Rawalpindi was organized by the PTI to pressure the government for the release of party founder Imran Khan, who has been behind bars since August 2023.
The former prime minister has faced multiple cases — ranging from corruption and sedition to terrorism — since his ouster from power through a no-confidence motion in April 2022.
The three-day protest campaign was abruptly called off after violent clashes erupted between PTI supporters and law enforcement agencies, leading to the martyrdom of at least three Rangers personnel and one policeman. The clashes also left several protesters injured and resulted in dozens of arrests.
