An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Rawalpindi issued a non-bailable arrest warrant on Monday for Aleema Khan, the sister of Imran Khan, after she repeatedly failed to appear in court.
The case relates to the November 26, 2024, protest in Rawalpindi, where authorities accused participants of violating restrictions on public gatherings.
During the hearing, Aleema Khan’s counsel, Faisal Malik, told the court that his client would not appear until authorities restored her frozen bank accounts and Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC).
Special Prosecutor Zaheer Shah opposed the request. He argued that a suspect cannot impose conditions on the court. He said Aleema Khan had avoided the proceedings since the start and questioned how the authorities could restore the documents without her appearance.
After hearing both sides, the court rejected the plea for exemption. It also issued notices to her guarantor and adjourned the case until Tuesday, February 3.
Read: Aleema Khan Stages Sit-In After Being Barred from Meeting Imran Khan at Adiala Jail
The court ordered the Rawalpindi Superintendent of Police (SP) to arrest Aleema Khan and ensure her presence at the next hearing. It further directed authorities to keep her bank accounts and CNIC blocked until she appears before the court.
The National Database and Registration Authority blocked Aleema Khan’s CNIC and passport in October 2025 pursuant to a prior court order.
The current proceedings stem from protests held on November 26, 2024. Supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf entered Islamabad despite restrictions on public gatherings. Clashes broke out near D-Chowk after law enforcement used tear gas to disperse protesters.
The demonstrations aimed to pressure the government to release Imran Khan. Authorities later ended the protests following intense confrontations.
Imran Khan, 71, has remained in custody since August 2023. Authorities charged him in several cases, including corruption and terrorism-related offences. His arrest followed his removal from office through a no-confidence vote in April 2022.
