Imran Khan’s Sister Faces Non-Bailable Warrant from Pakistan Anti-Terrorism Court

A Pakistani anti-terrorism court has issued a non-bailable arrest warrant for Aleema Khan after she failed to appear in hearings related to PTI protests. The court's actions underline the ongoing legal tensions following the protests last November.

A Pakistani anti-terrorism court has issued a non-bailable arrest warrant for Aleema Khan, sister of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Her absence from hearings in a case related to protests by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party last November prompted this action. This marks the fourth time the Rawalpindi-based Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) has taken such a step against her, as reported by Dawn newspaper.

During the recent proceedings, ten out of eleven suspects attended the court session, but Aleema was not present. Consequently, the ATC reissued the warrant due to her failure to appear. The court also issued a show-cause notice to Superintendent of Police Saad Arshad and Deputy Superintendent Naeem for submitting a "bogus report." They were summoned personally for "contempt of court" after claiming Aleema had gone into hiding.

Protests and Legal Proceedings

The court noted that despite claims of her hiding, Aleema was seen at Adiala jail, where her brother is imprisoned, and on social media platforms. Previously, SP Saad was instructed to arrest and present Aleema in court by October 22. The court also ordered the confiscation of her surety bond and verification of property documents provided by her guarantor.

At an earlier hearing, Aleema's guarantor's surety bonds were seized, and she was asked to submit new ones worth Rs 1 million. The case has been postponed until November 24. The court had previously denied her lawyer's request for exemption from appearing in person, citing criminal charges related to the November 26 protest.

Details of November Protests

On November 26, over 10,000 PTI supporters entered Islamabad despite a ban on public gatherings. They clashed with around 20,000 security personnel deployed to prevent them. Following these events, several PTI leaders faced charges under various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code and Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act.

The ongoing legal proceedings highlight tensions between PTI members and authorities following last year's protests. The court's actions reflect its determination to address alleged offences linked to these demonstrations.