An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan has issued a non-bailable arrest warrant against Aleema Khan, the sister of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, for her repeated non-appearance in a case related to protests by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party last year. The Rawalpindi-based Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) issued the warrant as Aleema Khan failed to attend the hearing for the fourth time in connection with the PTI-led demonstrations on November 26, 2023.
During the recent court proceedings, ten out of eleven accused individuals were present except for Aleema Khan. The court expressed concern over her consistent absence and instructed law enforcement to ensure her presence at the next hearing. Previously, the court had directed Superintendent of Police (SP) Saad Arshad to arrest Aleema and present her before the bench on October 22, along with seizing her surety bond and verifying property documents submitted by her guarantor.
In addition to the arrest warrant, the ATC issued a show-cause notice to SP Saad Arshad and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Naeem for submitting what was deemed a “bogus report.” The court summoned both officers personally for “contempt of court” regarding the inaccurate claim that Aleema was in hiding, despite being seen at Adiala Jail and on social media platforms.
The court confiscated Aleema’s guarantor’s surety bonds due to her continuous absence and directed her to provide new surety bonds worth Rs 1 million. Despite her lawyer’s unsuccessful plea for exemption from appearing in person, the court insisted on her presence to face criminal charges related to the PTI protest.
The protest on November 26, 2023, witnessed over 10,000 PTI supporters entering Islamabad in defiance of a government ban on public gatherings, leading to clashes with law enforcement personnel. Subsequently, several cases were filed against PTI leaders and activists under the Pakistan Penal Code and the Anti-Terrorism Act.
The ATC adjourned the hearing until November 24, instructing the police to ensure Aleema Khan’s attendance and warning of legal consequences for further non-compliance.