ATC issues non-bailable arrest warrants for Aleema Khan

RAWALPINDI: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Rawalpindi has issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Aleema Khan, the sister of former prime minister Imran Khan, for the third time and directed police to arrest and produce her before the court.

ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah heard cases registered against 11 accused, including Aleema Khan, in connection with the November 26 protest.

Due to Aleema Khan’s continued absence, the court again issued non-bailable arrest warrants for her as well as for her guarantor, Umar Sharif. The court ordered Rawalpindi police to arrest Aleema Khan and present her on October 22.

Ten other accused appeared before the court, while five prosecution witnesses also appeared along with case property.

The court also directed the Rawalpindi deputy commissioner to verify the property documents submitted by Aleema Khan’s guarantor.

A large number of lady police officials were deployed outside the court before the hearing. The prosecutor told the court that Aleema Khan’s bail would be cancelled due to her absence.

Meanwhile, the defence counsel argued that they would challenge the “illegal” arrest warrants, terming the indictment proceedings one-sided and unlawful.

He said the section related to terrorism had already been challenged and admitted for hearing, so an indictment could not be carried out in the meantime.

Earlier, Saddar Baironi police had registered a case against Aleema Khan, PTI lawyer Naeem Panjotha and others after PTI workers attacked and manhandled a journalist outside Adiala jail.

The incident occurred when Aleema Khan and other PTI leaders began a media talk outside the Adial jail, where former prime minister Imran Khan has been incarcerated after convictions in a slew of cases, including the state secrets, the Toshakhana and the Al-Qadir Trust cases.

During the media talk, journalist Tayyab Baloch asked a question regarding Aleema Khan’s alleged properties in the United States, reportedly acquired through Shaukat Khanum Hospital funds.

PTI workers attacked Baloch after he posed the question.

In his complaint registered at the Saddar Baironi Police Station, Baloch had stated that PTI lawyer Naeem Panjotha incited workers, asking them to “teach him a lesson” for questioning Aleema Khan.

Islamabad ATC issues non-bailable arrest warrants for PTI leaders

Meanwhile, an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad has issued non-bailable arrest warrants for several Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, including Omar Ayub and Zartaj Gul, in cases related to the party’s Sangjani rally.

The hearing was conducted by ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Supra. The court issued arrest warrants for Omar Ayub, Zain Qureshi, Zartaj Gul, and Ali Bukhari, ordering that they be arrested and produced before the court.

Meanwhile, PTI leader Sher Afzal Marwat filed a petition seeking transfer of the case. The court issued notices on Marwat’s plea and sought arguments.

The hearing was adjourned until October 23.