Court Frames Charges Against Ten PTI Supporters
Rawalpindi, Pakistan — A special anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Rawalpindi has formally charged ten individuals, including Aleema Khan, the sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, in connection with a protest held on November 26, 2022. Earlier, arrest warrants were issued for Aleema Khan in the same protest case, marking a continued legal battle over the 2022 demonstrations.
The hearing, conducted on Tuesday, was presided over by the ATC judge. Aleema Khan appeared in court accompanied by her lawyer, Faisal Malik, while Special Prosecutor Zaheer Shah represented the prosecution.
Defense Challenges Court’s Jurisdiction
During the proceedings, Aleema Khan’s counsel challenged the court’s authority to hear the case. The defense argued that the charges were filed under Section 23 of the relevant law, which does not fall within the scope of terrorism-related offences. Therefore, they contended, the Anti-Terrorism Court lacked jurisdiction to try the case.
Prosecutor Zaheer Shah opposed the objection, stating that the defense was attempting to delay the trial. He emphasized that the case arose from events during a PTI-led protest that allegedly disrupted public order and led to confrontations with law enforcement agencies.
Nine Co-Accused Have Already Served Sentences
The prosecutor further informed the court that nine other accused individuals in the same case had already pleaded guilty and served four-month prison sentences. Their early conviction and sentence, he argued, underscored the legitimacy of the proceedings.
The court, after hearing both sides, formally indicted all ten accused, including Aleema Khan. The defendants pleaded not guilty and requested a fair trial.
Background: The November 26 Protest
The case stems from a protest organized by PTI supporters in Rawalpindi on November 26, 2022, during Imran Khan’s campaign for early national elections. The demonstration was part of a larger series of rallies demanding the dissolution of assemblies and the announcement of new polls.
Law enforcement agencies had registered multiple cases following clashes and road blockages during the protest. PTI leaders have consistently maintained that the gatherings were peaceful and that the charges are politically motivated.
Next Steps
The court has adjourned the hearing and directed both sides to present further arguments at the next session. The indictment marks another legal challenge for PTI figures, who are already facing several cases following the political unrest that has gripped Pakistan since 2022.
