Court Orders Financial and Travel Restrictions
A court in Rawalpindi has ordered the freezing of all bank accounts belonging to Aleema Khan, the sister of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) issued the directive after she repeatedly failed to appear before the court despite outstanding arrest warrants.
Judge Amjad Ali Shah, who presided over the hearing, also instructed authorities to block Aleema Khan’s national identity card and passport. The order was issued under Pakistan’s anti-terrorism laws, as part of an ongoing case linked to the November protest demonstrations that followed the attempted assassination of Imran Khan in 2022.
Court Criticizes Non-Appearance Despite Public Presence
During the latest hearing, ten accused individuals appeared before the court, but Aleema Khan remained absent. The judge expressed strong displeasure, noting that the accused is seen everywhere but not in court. He emphasized that her attendance must now be ensured by all possible means.
In addition, the court confiscated her bail bonds and ordered the attachment of her guarantor’s property. The hearing was adjourned until 27 October.
Authorities Directed to Act Immediately
The court formally directed several agencies to enforce its orders:
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The Director General of NADRA (National Database and Registration Authority) was instructed to block Aleema Khan’s national ID card.
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The Director General of Passports was told to block her passport, preventing any attempt to leave the country.
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The Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan received instructions to freeze all her bank accounts until further notice.
These steps are part of efforts to compel her court appearance after months of evasion.
Previous Warrants and Police Reprimand
This is not the first time the court has issued orders against Aleema Khan. On 22 October, the ATC released non-bailable arrest warrants, following earlier warrants on 14 and 20 October. Despite these, she has not presented herself before the court.
The court also criticized the police for submitting what it called a misleading report, which claimed Aleema Khan had gone into hiding. In response, the judge issued show-cause notices to SP Rawal Division Saad Arshad and DSP Naeem, ordering them to appear personally.
According to the court, the police assertion contradicted public evidence — Aleema Khan has been active on social media and was even seen at Adiala Jail, where her brother Imran Khan is currently imprisoned.
Background: Political Context
Aleema Khan, a businesswoman and philanthropist, has maintained a prominent role in her brother’s political movement. Following Imran Khan’s ouster from power in April 2022, Pakistan has witnessed widespread political unrest and frequent legal proceedings against leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.
The November protest case is among several being pursued against PTI figures for alleged involvement in violence and attacks on state institutions during demonstrations. Courts across the country have issued similar orders against party officials accused of avoiding trial.
Next Steps
The court’s actions indicate growing frustration with Aleema Khan’s continued non-compliance. If she fails to appear on 27 October, legal experts say further punitive steps — including property confiscation and additional charges — may follow.
The case underscores Pakistan’s increasingly tense political and judicial landscape, where accountability battles continue to intersect with political rivalries at the highest levels.
