The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Rawalpindi on Wednesday adjourned the hearing of a case registered against Aleema Khanum in connection with the November 26 protests until Monday, February 9.
Aleema Khanum appeared before the court along with her counsel, Muhammad Faisal Malik. During the proceedings, the defense completed the cross-examination of three more prosecution witnesses — Sub-Inspector Noman Aziz, Assistant Sub-Inspector Asif Ali, and Constable Asif. With this, the defense has completed the cross-examination of a total of 13 prosecution witnesses in the case.
The court ordered the defreezing of one of Aleema Khanum’s bank accounts and sought a response from officials of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) regarding the unblocking of her identity card. The court also cancelled the non-bailable arrest warrants previously issued against her.
Special Prosecutor Zaheer Shah appeared in court along with the prosecution’s legal team. Aleema Khanum remained present in the courtroom during the cross-examination. The case was heard by ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah.
Speaking to the media after the hearing, defense counsel Faisal Malik said that all three witnesses cross-examined during the hearing admitted they had no photographic evidence related to the alleged incident. He termed the case against Aleema Khanum “baseless,” claiming that contradictions in the prosecution’s version had been exposed during the proceedings.
Aleema Khanum also spoke to the media, criticizing the prosecution and expressing concerns over what she described as pressure on police officials to give statements. She also raised issues regarding the blockage of her identity card, saying it had restricted her ability to pursue legal remedies.
The hearing was adjourned after Aleema Khanum assured the court of her presence at the next date.
