In Raw Palindi, police were ordered to arrest Aleema Khan, sister of former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan, after an anti‑terrorism court issued a non‑bailable warrant. The court, led by Judge Amjad Ali Shah, set a date for her appearance on October 22 in a case tied to the Pakistan Tehreek‑e‑Insaf (PTI) protest that took place on November 26 last year.
### What’s happening?
The anti‑terrorism court (ATC) in Raw Palindi opened the case against 10 people, including Aleema Khan, who had not been present in court. During Monday’s hearing, ten other accused stood before the bench, and five prosecution witnesses gave evidence. The judge also ordered an arrest warrant for Umer Sharif, the guarantor of Aleema Khan’s bail, and told the deputy commissioner of Pindi to verify Sharif’s property documents.
### Background of the protest
The November 26 protest was organized by PTI to pressure the government to release its founder, Imran Khan, who has been in prison since August 2023 after being convicted on several corruption and terrorism charges. The three‑day protest ended in violence, leaving at least three Rangers officials and a police officer dead.
In September, PTI said it had filed another FIR against Aleema Khan, naming political ally Naeem Haider Panjutha and others. The party described the charges—initially under sections 506, 147, 149, 382 and 427 of the Pakistan Penal Code—as a “shocking abuse of law.” It added that terrorism clauses were added later overnight, calling the move a blatant abuse of the justice system.
### PTI’s response
PTI’s media office released a statement condemning the filing. It called the FIR “completely fabricated” and said it was driven by “political revenge.” The party alleged that the Punjab Police and provincial government were acting as a “printing press for fake FIRs,” especially targeting Imran Khan’s family.
“Aleema Khan was targeted only for supporting her brother and spreading his message,” the spokesperson added. The statement praised her as a “dignified and courageous woman” and reaffirmed the party’s full support for her.
### What it means for the courtroom
Judge Amjad Ali Shah’s order puts a clear deadline on Aleema Khan’s appearance in the anti‑terrorism court. Her arrest will be non‑bailable, meaning she cannot choose to refuse the warrant or bail. The court’s decision reflects the ongoing tension between PTI and the state, as well as the broader question of how political protests are treated under Pakistani law.
The case has attracted attention not just for its political implications but also for its potential impact on legal practices in Pakistan. With Imran Khan already behind bars and the protest from last November still fresh in public memory, the outcome of this court hearing could influence the future of political opposition in the country.
Stay tuned for updates as the case moves forward in the Raw Palindi anti‑terrorism court.
Source: ianslive
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