A Pakistani anti-terrorism court has escalated action against Aleema Khan, the sister of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, by issuing a non-bailable arrest warrant due to her repeated failure to appear in court. The Rawalpindi-based Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) took the step after Aleema missed yet another hearing in the case linked to the November 26, 2023, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protests. This marks the fourth such warrant issued against her.
During Wednesday’s session, ten of the eleven accused appeared, with Aleema once again absent. The court directed law enforcement to produce her at the next hearing and also ordered the confiscation of her surety bond. It additionally instructed verification of the property documents submitted by her guarantor. Earlier, her lawyer’s request for exemption from personal appearance had been rejected, as the court insisted she must appear in person for formal charges to be pressed.
The ATC also reprimanded police officers for submitting what it described as a “bogus report.” Superintendent of Police Saad Arshad and Deputy Superintendent of Police Naeem were issued show-cause notices for contempt of court. The report had falsely claimed Aleema was in hiding, whereas she had been seen visiting Adiala Jail, where her brother is imprisoned, and appearing on social media platforms. The court noted, “The report presented before this court does not reflect the facts.”
As part of its measures, the court confiscated the surety bonds of Aleema’s guarantor and directed her to submit new bonds worth Rs 1 million to ensure compliance. Authorities had previously warned that continued non-appearance would result in strict legal consequences.
The case stems from violent PTI protests on November 26, 2023, when over 10,000 supporters entered Islamabad despite a government ban, clashing with approximately 20,000 police and paramilitary personnel. The protests led to multiple cases being filed against PTI leaders and activists under the Pakistan Penal Code and Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act.
The ATC has adjourned the next hearing to November 24 and warned that Aleema Khan’s continued non-compliance would be addressed “in accordance with the law,” signaling a firm approach toward ensuring accountability for key figures in the PTI-led demonstrations.
