The Rawalpindi branch of Pakistan’s Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) issued a non-bailable arrest warrant on Thursday for Aleema Khan, the sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan, marking the eighth consecutive warrant due to her repeated failure to appear before the court despite multiple summons.
As per local media reports, the case, lodged at Sadiqabad police station, stems from allegations levied by authorities in Islamabad that Khan was a participant in the May 9, 2023, riots by PTI activists and supporters, after her brother was arrested.
The anti-government protests, following the ex-PM’s arrest led to widespread chaos, resulting in massive violence by PTI workers, who attacked police personnel, attacked multiple military installations and engaged in arson, and vandalism.
Following an extensive state-led crackdown against PTI members and supporters, hundreds were left badly injured, and resulted in the deaths of over 47 protesters nationwide.
During Thursday’s hearing, ATC judge Amjad Ali Shah directed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman and Islamabad Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa to submit details of Aleema Khan’s properties.
The court also ordered Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) Chairperson Akif Saeed to provide records of any firms or shares registered under her name.
Due to her continued non-compliance, the court had earlier taken punitive measures.
On Oct 24, it instructed the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to block her Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC), the Director General of Passports to block her passport, and the State Bank of Pakistan Governor to freeze all her bank accounts.
Judge Shah stated that her persistent absence amounted to obstruction of judicial proceedings.
As per Pakistani media, over 12 of Aleema Khan’s accounts have been frozen, including her accounts in Bank Alfalah and MCB, with a substantial PKR 124 million ($438,000) held in one MCB account.
The court also issued arrest warrants for the UBL Head Office Manager in Karachi and Habib Metro Bank Manager Syed Mansoor Hussain for failing to submit reports despite repeated notices, while contempt of court notices were served to Soneri Bank and the Bank of Punjab for similar non-compliance.
While Aleema Khan has consistently denied any wrongdoing, claiming that all the cases against her are politically motivated, the prosecution accused her of mocking the legal process by ignoring the judicial summons. The hearing has been adjourned until November 10.
