An important development has emerged in the ongoing legal case involving Aleema Khan, the sister of former prime minister Imran Khan. A Rawalpindi Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Thursday suspended the non-bailable arrest warrants issued against her. The suspension also covers her guarantors.
These were the 13th arrest warrants issued against Aleema Khan. They were initially granted after she failed to appear in court in connection with a case related to a protest held in November 2024. The case is registered at Sadiqabad Police Station.
The protest in question took place at D-Chowk, Islamabad, on November 24, 2024. It followed a “final call” by Imran Khan, urging nationwide demonstrations demanding the restoration of PTI’s electoral mandate. The protesters also demanded the release of jailed party leaders and a reversal of the 26th Constitutional Amendment. The amendment, Khan claimed, had empowered a dictatorial regime.
Supporters from across Pakistan gathered at D-Chowk. The government refused to negotiate and launched an operation against protesters. Several senior PTI leaders reportedly left the scene. The protest concluded on November 26 without any resolution.
The court hearing, overseen by Judge Amjad Ali Shah, could not proceed as the judge was on leave. The remaining two witnesses are now scheduled to appear before investigating officers on the next date. The court also directed the defence to complete the cross-examination of these witnesses in the upcoming hearing.
Earlier this week, Aleema Khan filed a request seeking exemption from appearing in court. She cited her involvement in managing her brother’s medical treatment and asked for a two-to-three-day deferral. The court rejected her plea, which led to the issuance of non-bailable arrest warrants.
Aleema Khan Raises Health Concerns
Outside the court, Aleema Khan spoke to the media about the case and her brother’s health. She emphasized that Imran Khan is suffering from an eye condition. She demanded that he be shifted to Al-Shifa International Hospital for proper treatment.
She criticized the authorities for the way Imran Khan was examined. According to Aleema, he was checked without the presence of family members or his personal doctors. She called this approach inappropriate and demanded better treatment protocols.
Aleema also stated that the cases against Imran Khan, senior journalist Hamid Raza, and others were politically motivated. She expressed confidence that the charges would eventually be dismissed.
PTI Sit-In Protest
In parallel, PTI supporters staged a sit-in outside Parliament House, along with Aleema Khan, to demand urgent medical attention for the former premier. The protest started on Friday and continued for five days before it was called off on Wednesday.
On Sunday, a five-member team of medical specialists conducted a detailed eye examination of Imran Khan at Adiala Jail, where he is currently detained. Jail Superintendent Sajid Baig confirmed that doctors arrived with all necessary medical equipment and medicines. The examination was conducted under the supervision of a two-member medical board.
