Pakistan court issues non-bailable arrest warrant against Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan

Aleema Khan faces non-bailable arrest warrant over November 2024 PTI protest

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Rawalpindi on Monday issued non-bailable arrest warrants against Aleema Khan, the sister of jailed former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, for repeatedly failing to appear in a case linked to a November 2024 protest.

The case relates to a protest held on November 26, 2024, following Imran Khan’s “final call” for nationwide demonstrations demanding restoration of PTI’s electoral mandate, release of detained party leaders and reversal of the 26th Constitutional Amendment. Supporters from across the country gathered at Islamabad’s D-Chowk before the government launched an operation to disperse protesters, ending the protest the same day.

During Monday’s hearing, Judge Amjad Ali Shah rejected Aleema Khan’s request for exemption from personal appearance and directed the Rawalpindi superintendent of police to arrest her and produce her before the court by Tuesday, February 3. The court ruled that her bank accounts and identity documents would remain blocked until she appears.

Aleema Khan’s counsel, Faisal Malik, sought exemption citing the freezing of her bank accounts, CNIC and passport, arguing that these restrictions had made travel and daily affairs difficult. He maintained that his client would not appear until her documents and finances were restored.

The prosecution opposed the plea, calling her absence “defiant behaviour.” Special prosecutor Zaheer Ali Shah told the court that Aleema Khan’s conduct had been “irresponsible from the very first day” and argued that “no accused can dictate to the court or hold it hostage.”

The court noted that restoration orders for her bank account, CNIC and passport had previously been issued but had not been implemented. Judge Shah warned that contempt proceedings could follow if compliance was not ensured, but still rejected the exemption plea and upheld the arrest warrants.

The ATC also summoned Aleema Khan’s guarantors and issued notices to them. On October 24, the court had ordered the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to block her CNIC, the Directorate General of Passports to suspend her passport and the State Bank of Pakistan to freeze her bank accounts after repeated non-appearance despite earlier warrants.

Aleema Khan has previously alleged a “pre-planned political vendetta” against her family and PTI, accusing the government of using state institutions to silence dissent. She described the freezing of her finances as “economic strangulation” and “persecution” without due process.

Only days ago, she criticised the administration over the incarceration of her brother and PTI supporters, citing the alleged mistreatment of a detained student. “I don’t know why they behave like animals,” she said, questioning whether such conduct was “part of their job or if they’ve been told this is the way to get a promotion.”

Separately, the ATC accepted applications seeking medical examinations of Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi by their personal doctors. Notices were issued to the superintendent of Adiala Jail, seeking a response by February 3. Defence counsel argued that both had a constitutional right to medical care by physicians of their choice under supervision.

On January 29, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed that Imran Khan had undergone an eye procedure at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), marking his first transfer out of Adiala Jail since his arrest in August 2023.

The case against Aleema Khan involves 10 other accused. Cross-examination of 10 prosecution witnesses has been completed, while three more have been summoned for the next hearing on Tuesday.