A Rawalpindi anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Monday issued a non-bailable arrest warrant for Aleema Khan. She is the sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan. The warrant relates to the November 26, 2024, protest in Islamabad.
Aleema has repeatedly failed to appear in court despite several summons. During Monday’s hearing, her lawyer stated that she would not attend until her bank accounts and national identity card (CNIC) are unfrozen.
The special prosecutor, Zaheer Shah, rejected this claim. He said no suspect can dictate court procedures. He added that the trial will continue on a daily basis.
The court ordered the Rawalpindi superintendent of police (SP) to arrest Aleema and produce her in court by February 3. Her CNIC and bank accounts will remain blocked until she complies. Notices were also sent to her guarantor.
Aleema is facing charges along with ten others for the November 26 protest. On that day, PTI supporters gathered in defiance of a ban on public assemblies. They clashed with law enforcement near D-Chowk in Islamabad. Police used teargas to disperse the crowd.
The protest aimed to pressure the government to release Imran Khan. He has been in custody since August 2023. He faces multiple cases, including charges related to corruption and terrorism, following his removal from office in April 2022.
The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) had blocked Aleema’s CNIC and passport in October 2025 under court orders. Prosecutors argued that her continued absence delays the unfreezing of her accounts and identification.
The court emphasized that Aleema’s non-appearance is unacceptable. Authorities warned that legal procedures will continue despite her refusal.
