A Rawalpindi anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Wednesday issued a non-bailable arrest warrant for Aleema Khan, sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, in a case linked to the party’s protest held on 26 November 2022.
This marks the fourth time the court has issued a warrant against her after she repeatedly failed to appear despite summons.
ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah, who presided over the hearing, ordered the forfeiture of Aleema Khan’s surety bonds worth PKR 1,00,000 to the state. He also issued a show-cause notice to her guarantor, Umar Sharif, instructing him to respond by 24 October.
The judge questioned how Aleema could remain in hiding while continuing to appear in the media outside Adiala Jail, and demanded that she submit two surety bonds worth PKR 1 million each.
Protest Turned Clash
The case stems from PTI’s protest in Islamabad on 26 November last year, when party supporters defied a ban on public gatherings and clashed with police near D-Chowk.
Law enforcement used teargas to disperse the demonstrators.
PTI organised the three-day protest to demand the release of Imran Khan, who has remained in prison since August 2023 over multiple cases, including charges of corruption and terrorism.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party has denounced the court actions against Aleema Khan, calling them part of a politically motivated campaign.
In a statement, the party accused authorities of misusing terrorism laws and manipulating the justice system.
The complaint initially named Aleema in a standard criminal case, but authorities later added terrorism charges.
PTI accused officials of forcibly dragging party members, who had first appeared before civil courts, into anti-terrorism courts, describing this as blatant political victimisation.
Support from PTI Leadership
The party reiterated its support for Aleema Khan, describing her as a ‘dignified and courageous woman’ who was targeted solely for supporting her brother. It condemned what it sees as a pattern of harassment aimed at silencing political dissent and punishing Imran Khan’s allies.
The court has adjourned further proceedings until 24 October, by which time Aleema Khan is expected to respond to the charges.
Meanwhile, the political temperature in Pakistan continues to rise, as PTI accuses the government of suppressing opposition voices through legal coercion and intimidation.
Aleema Khan’s case highlights the escalating legal pressure on Imran Khan’s family and party members, as Pakistan’s judiciary continues to play a central role in the country’s charged political landscape.
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