Pakistani Court Issues Arrest Warrant for Aleema Khan Amid Protest Case

A Pakistani anti-terrorism court has intensified its efforts to apprehend Aleema Khan, sister of the former Prime Minister Imran Khan, by issuing a non-bailable arrest warrant against her. This comes after Khan failed to appear for hearings related to her involvement in protests organized by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party last November. The Rawalpindi-based court issued this warrant following her fourth consecutive absence.

Out of 11 suspects, 10 appeared in court, with Aleema's absence noted starkly. Complications arose when misleading reports suggested she had gone into hiding, even as she appeared publicly at Adiala jail and on social media. Law enforcement officials, including Superintendent of Police Saad Arshad and Deputy Superintendent of Police Naeem, have been summoned for allegedly submitting false reports, indicating contempt of court.

The court has called for Aleema's arrest by October 22, demanding new surety bonds valued at Rs 1 million after confiscating previous ones. Her legal counsel's request to exempt her from appearing has been denied, highlighting the severity of charges linked to the November 26 protests. This case, involving accusations under the Anti-Terrorism Act, remains adjourned until November 24.