10th Arrest Warrant Issued for Aleema Khan in Ongoing Legal Battle
An anti-terrorism court has escalated legal pressure on Aleema Khan, sister of imprisoned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, by issuing her tenth non-bailable arrest warrant. The latest order comes in connection with the November 26 protest case that has seen multiple legal proceedings against the prominent political figure.
Court Proceedings and Defense Arguments
During the recent hearing presided over by Judge Amjad Ali Shah, ten other accused individuals appeared before the court and were permitted to leave after marking their attendance. However, Aleema Khan was notably absent once again, continuing her pattern of non-appearance in this case.
Defense counsel Faisal Malik represented Aleema Khan in court and informed the judiciary that his client would not be attending the hearing. Malik presented a significant legal argument, challenging the very foundation of the case by asserting that terrorism charges should not apply to this matter. The defense maintains that the case does not fall under anti-terror laws, thereby questioning the jurisdiction of the anti-terrorism court itself.
Court Directives and Property Investigation
The court responded decisively to Aleema Khan's absence by ordering her arrest and production before the court on November 17, the date to which the hearing has been adjourned. In addition to the arrest warrant, the judiciary issued several important directives that broaden the scope of the investigation.
Authorities have been ordered to provide updated details of Aleema Khan's properties in Islamabad and Punjab, indicating a comprehensive financial investigation running parallel to the main case. The court also took action against financial institutions, issuing show-cause notices to two bank managers for failing to comply with previous orders to freeze her accounts.
The case, originally registered at Sadiqabad Police Station, alleges that Aleema Khan and ten other accused individuals engaged in arson, interfered with government affairs, and incited party workers to participate in violent protests. The court had previously issued nine non-bailable arrest warrants for Aleema Khan and had summoned five witnesses to testify in the case.
This ongoing legal battle continues to draw significant public attention, particularly given the high-profile nature of the individuals involved and the serious nature of the charges being pursued through Pakistan's anti-terrorism legal framework.
