The arrest of Aleema Khan, sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, has once again been postponed after the Rawalpindi Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) accepted her legal team’s plea challenging the court’s jurisdiction. The case, connected to a November 26 protest in Rawalpindi, has seen seven non-bailable warrants issued so far each time ending in a delay.
During the latest hearing, Aleema Khan’s counsel argued that the charges filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) 1997) are not applicable, as the protest in question was peaceful and did not constitute terrorism. The court, after reviewing the arguments, decided to defer her indictment until the jurisdictional matter is resolved, effectively delaying her arrest once again.
Officials confirmed that Aleema Khan’s national identity card and passport remain blocked under court orders, while authorities continue to assess the assets of guarantors tied to vehicles allegedly used during the demonstration.
This recent development follows the seventh non-bailable warrant issued against Aleema Khan, highlighting the repeated efforts by the authorities to secure her presence before the court. Despite these actions, her detention has been repeatedly postponed due to ongoing legal challenges and procedural complexities.
Aleema Khan has publicly stated that the warrants and legal proceedings against her are politically motivated. She maintains that her involvement in the PTI’s demonstrations was peaceful and that she is being targeted due to her relation to Imran Khan and her political affiliation.
The ATC has now adjourned the case until the next hearing, where it will address the jurisdiction dispute before deciding whether to proceed with arrest orders or dismiss the charges.
The repeated postponement of Aleema Khan’s arrest reflects the widening legal and political battle surrounding PTI leadership, as many of its prominent figures continue to face similar court proceedings under the Anti-Terrorism Act.
