A Brief Detention Inside the Rawalpindi Court
Aleema Khan, the sister of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, arrived at the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Rawalpindi for a hearing on Wednesday. The court is reviewing a case related to a protest held on 26 November last year. Eleven people, including Aleema Khan, stand accused in the same case.
Soon after the proceedings began, Aleema Khan asked the judge for permission to leave. She said her lawyer was busy at the Supreme Court and could not attend the hearing on time. The court listened to her request but then heard a strong objection from the state prosecutor.
Prosecutor Zaheer Shah told the judge that Section 351 of the Code of Criminal Procedure keeps the accused in judicial custody during an active hearing. This statement changed the atmosphere in the courtroom. The judge then directed Aleema Khan to stay inside the court premises until her lawyer arrived.
When she stepped outside the courtroom, female police officers approached her. They took her back into custody and escorted her inside again. Her lawyer, advocate Faisal Malik, reached the court soon after. The hearing then resumed in a calmer environment.
Charges Linked to the 26 November Demonstration
The case focuses on a political gathering held in Rawalpindi on 26 November. PTI supporters came out in large numbers after party leaders called for renewed protests. Police registered several cases after the event. They cited concerns about security, traffic disruption, and public order.
Investigators included Aleema Khan’s name in one of the FIRs. They also added charges under anti-terrorism laws. These laws allow courts to review cases that involve threats to public safety. The authorities claim that some protesters attempted to push through police barriers and blocked key roads. They also argue that some speeches at the protest encouraged confrontation.
PTI leaders deny these claims. They say the protest remained peaceful. They also argue that the state is using terrorism-related laws to pressure political workers. Aleema Khan has repeated this point in previous statements. She says she attended the gathering as a peaceful participant.
A Pattern of Repeated Court Summons
The ATC has issued several arrest warrants for Aleema Khan during the past year. A related update also emerged recently when the ATC issued a non-bailable arrest warrant for Aleema Khan in the Nov 26 protest case. Court officials say she missed some earlier hearings. Her legal team argues that she has never tried to escape the process. They say she faced travel and scheduling conflicts but always returned when summoned.
Pakistan’s anti-terrorism courts often oversee politically sensitive cases. Lawyers and analysts have noted this trend for years. They say the state sometimes brings anti-terror charges against protesters, especially during tense political periods. Government officials reject this idea. They say they only file such charges when protests lead to violence or property damage.
A Wider Political Context
Imran Khan remains in jail on multiple convictions. He also faces dozens of other cases. Many senior PTI figures have either faced arrest or moved away from active politics. The party continues to challenge the current government, but legal pressure has weakened its organisational structure.
Aleema Khan does not hold a party position. Yet her presence at public events often draws attention because of her family link to the former prime minister. Her short detention on Wednesday added to the long list of ongoing court battles connected to the wider political dispute.
What Comes Next
The court will continue to hear the protest case in the coming weeks. Judges will review evidence, witness statements, and police reports. Legal experts expect more arguments from both sides before the court reaches any conclusion.
Aleema Khan left the courtroom after her lawyer took charge of the proceedings, but she still remains under judicial process. The next hearing is expected soon, and the case continues to attract national and international interest.
