- ATC Rawalpindi issues non-bailable arrest warrants for Aleema Khan over non-appearance.
- Court orders SP Rawal Circle to arrest and produce the accused by Tuesday.
- Judge rejects defense plea to link court appearance with the unfreezing of bank accounts.
ATC Rawalpindi Escalates Legal Action Against Aleema Khan
In a significant legal development that intensifies the pressure on the family of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Rawalpindi has issued non-bailable arrest warrants for his sister, Aleema Khan. The order, delivered on Monday, marks a sharp escalation in the legal proceedings related to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protests held on November 26, 2024. The court has directed the Superintendent of Police (SP) for the Rawal Town Circle to arrest the accused and present her before the court by Tuesday.
Judge Amjad Shah, presiding over the ATC, issued the warrants following Aleema Khan’s repeated failure to appear for the trial. The case, registered at the Sadiqabad Police Station, involves allegations surrounding the unrest and legislative violations during the PTI’s mass demonstration in late 2024. The court’s decision underscores the judiciary’s intent to expedite trials related to political unrest, despite the high-profile nature of the defendants.
Defense Cites Frozen Assets as Barrier to Appearance
During the proceedings on Monday, Faisal Malik, the legal counsel representing Aleema Khan, submitted a formal request for exemption from personal appearance. The defense argued that his client is facing significant logistical and financial hurdles that prevent her from attending the court sessions. Specifically, Malik stated that Aleema Khan’s bank accounts and National Identity Card (CNIC) remain frozen, claiming she would not be able to present herself until these restrictions are lifted and her assets are ‘de-frozen.’
This argument, however, met with strong resistance from the prosecution. Special Prosecutor Zaheer Shah countered the defense’s claims by asserting that no defendant has the authority to dictate terms to the judiciary or ‘take the court hostage’ with pre-conditions for their appearance. The prosecution argued that the legal system operates on procedural compliance, and a defendant must first submit to the court’s jurisdiction before seeking administrative relief regarding frozen assets.
Prosecution Accuses Defense of Obstructive Behavior
Special Prosecutor Shah further criticized Aleema Khan’s conduct throughout the trial, labeling her behavior as ‘irresponsible’ since the inception of the case. He questioned the logic of the defense’s plea, noting that it is legally paradoxical to request the unblocking of identity documents and bank accounts for an individual who is actively avoiding the court’s summons. The prosecution highlighted that the court has already mandated a daily trial schedule to ensure a swift resolution, and delays caused by non-appearance hinder the judicial process.
After hearing the arguments from both sides, Judge Amjad Shah rejected the plea for exemption. The judge maintained that the legal consequences regarding the defendant’s CNIC and bank accounts—namely their continued suspension—would remain in effect as long as she fails to appear. In addition to the arrest warrants, the court issued formal notices to Aleema Khan’s guarantors, warning of further legal repercussions if the accused is not produced.
The Broader Context of the November 2024 Protest Case
The case against Aleema Khan is rooted in the events of November 26, 2024, when PTI supporters marched towards the capital and surrounding areas. The Sadiqabad Police Station registered cases against several PTI leaders and activists, alleging acts of defiance and disruption of public order. As of the current date, the trial is in an advanced stage, with cross-examination already completed for 10 witnesses. The court had summoned additional witnesses for the latest hearing to continue the evidentiary phase.
The issuance of non-bailable warrants signifies that the police now have the authority to take Aleema Khan into custody without further notice. With the SP Rawal Circle under direct orders to produce her by tomorrow, the situation remains tense for the PTI leadership. This development is part of a broader trend where the families of incarcerated political figures are increasingly finding themselves entangled in the country’s legal and anti-terrorism frameworks. The hearing has been adjourned until tomorrow, when the police are expected to provide a progress report on the arrest order.