An anti-terrorism court in Rawalpindi has issued the 10th non-bailable arrest warrant for Aleema Khan, sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder, in connection with the November 26 protest case.
The case was heard by Judge Amjad Ali Shah of the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC). Aleema Khan once again did not appear before the court, while ten other accused appeared and were allowed to leave after marking attendance.
During the proceedings, defense counsel Faisal Malik informed the court that Aleema Khan would not appear, adding that the defense had already challenged the inclusion of terrorism charges in the case. He argued that the case did not constitute acts of terrorism under the law.
The court, however, directed that Aleema Khan be arrested and presented before it on November 17, adjourning further hearing until that date.
Additionally, the court ordered the authorities to re-submit complete details of Aleema Khan’s properties in Islamabad and across Punjab, and issued show-cause notices to two bank managers for failing to freeze her accounts as earlier instructed.
According to the case record, the ATC had previously issued nine warrants for Aleema Khan’s arrest and ordered her to be produced in court today. The court had also summoned five witnesses for testimony.
The case, registered at Sadiqabad Police Station, names Aleema Khan and ten others as accused. They are charged with arson, obstruction of government work, and incitement to violent protest during the November 26 demonstration.
