Court Orders Immediate Appearance of Aleema Khan
RAWALPINDI – A Pakistani anti-terrorism court has issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Aleema Khan, the sister of former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, after she failed to appear before the court in a case related to a protest held on November 26 last year.
Judge Amjad Ali Shah of the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Rawalpindi presided over the hearing. The case is linked to a protest registered at Sadiqabad Police Station, where PTI supporters were accused of blocking roads, damaging public property, and clashing with law enforcement during a political demonstration.
The court had scheduled the hearing to frame charges against Aleema Khan on Monday. However, her absence prompted the court to take strict notice, issuing non-bailable arrest warrants and ordering authorities to produce her before the bench on October 11.
Six Other Defendants Appear and Deny Charges
In the same case, six other accused individuals appeared in court. Charges were formally framed against them, but all six pleaded not guilty. The court has now set October 11 as the next date of hearing for the continuation of proceedings.
Legal experts say the court’s decision indicates that the case is being handled with urgency and that the judiciary wants to avoid further delays. The judge also directed that Aleema Khan’s appearance at the next hearing be ensured “under all circumstances” so that she, too, can be formally charged.
Case Background and Political Context
The November 26 protest took place during a period of heightened political tension in Pakistan, as PTI supporters held rallies demanding early elections following the ouster of Imran Khan through a parliamentary vote of no-confidence in April 2022.
Protests across several cities, including Islamabad, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, were marked by road blockages and clashes with police. Many PTI leaders and workers were arrested under various public order and anti-terrorism provisions.
While the PTI has maintained that its protests were peaceful and politically motivated, authorities have accused party members of disrupting law and order. Cases like this one have continued to surface in different cities, highlighting the ongoing legal and political challenges faced by the party’s leadership.
A Growing List of Legal Battles
Aleema Khan, a businesswoman and philanthropist, has largely stayed out of the political spotlight compared to her brother. However, her name has occasionally surfaced in political and legal matters linked to PTI activities.
Imran Khan himself remains imprisoned following multiple convictions, including charges of corruption and violations of state secrecy laws. Several senior PTI figures have also faced arrests and trials in connection with last year’s nationwide protests and the violent incidents of May 9, 2023, following Imran Khan’s initial arrest.
The latest warrant adds to the broader picture of legal pressures facing PTI leaders and family members. Analysts note that such developments could influence the political climate as Pakistan prepares for its next general elections, expected in 2025.
What Happens Next
The ATC’s order requires law enforcement agencies to ensure Aleema Khan’s presence in court on October 11. If she fails to appear again, authorities may be directed to take coercive measures to enforce her attendance.
Observers say the court’s insistence on swift proceedings underscores the sensitivity of the case and the judiciary’s intent to conclude it without further delay.
The coming weeks are likely to reveal whether Aleema Khan’s legal team will challenge the warrant or seek anticipatory relief before the next hearing.
