The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Rawalpindi has issued a non-bailable arrest warrant for Aleema Khan, the sister of the PTI founder, in connection with the November 26 protest case.
The order was given by Special Court Judge Amjad Ali Shah after Aleema Khan and her lawyer failed to appear before the court for a scheduled hearing. The court also issued a notice to her guarantor and directed that the accused be presented at the next session.
Court Takes Notice of Absence
During Friday’s proceedings, the prosecution informed the court that Aleema Khan had not attended the hearing and had also failed to submit an exemption request for her absence. Prosecutor Zaheer Shah argued that the accused was deliberately avoiding court appearances and obstructing the judicial process.
He requested the court to issue a non-bailable arrest warrant and a show-cause notice for the cancellation of her bail under Section 497 of the Criminal Procedure Code. After hearing the arguments, the court accepted the prosecution’s request and issued the non-bailable warrant.
Prosecution Claims Evasion of Legal Process
Prosecutor Zaheer Shah maintained that Aleema Khan was misusing her bail and hindering the progress of the trial. He argued that her repeated absence reflected an attempt to evade the legal process.
The court agreed with the prosecution’s stance, noting that the accused had failed to comply with previous court directives despite being granted bail.
Next Hearing Scheduled for October 20
After issuing the warrant and notices, the court adjourned the hearing until October 20. The judge directed that Aleema Khan must be produced before the court at the next session.
In other related news also read Sangjani Rally Case: ATC Issues Arrest Warrants For Leaders
The case is linked to the November 26 protest, during which several PTI leaders and workers were charged under terrorism-related laws. The court has warned that further action will be taken if the accused fails to appear at the next hearing.
