ATC issues warrants for Aleema again

RAWALPINDI:

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Rawalpindi issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Aleema Khan for the third time, ordering police to arrest and present former prime minister Imran Khan's sister before the court at the next hearing.

Another ATC in Islamabad also issued non-bailable arrest warrants for several other PTI leaders including Zartaj Gul, Omar Ayub, Zain Qureshi and Ali Bokhari in a rioting case.

The ATC in Rawalpindi, presided over by Judge Amjad Ali Shah, on Monday resumed hearing a case pertaining to protests held on November 26, 2024. Aleema and 10 others had been nominated as accused in the FIR.

Due to Aleema Khan's continued absence, the court issued non-bailable warrants for her arrest for the third consecutive time.

The court also issued non-bailable warrants for her guarantor, Umar Sharif, and ordered the Rawalpindi Police to arrest septuagenarian and produce her in court on October 22.

Meanwhile, 10 other accused persons named in the case appeared before the court.

Five prosecution witnesses also appeared, along with case property. The court directed Rawalpindi deputy commissioner to verify the property documents of Aleema Khan's guarantor.

Before the hearing, a large contingent of female police officers was deployed outside the court. The prosecutor stated that due to Aleema Khan's absence, proceedings for cancellation of her bail would be initiated.

However, the defense counsel maintained that they would strongly challenge the illegal arrest warrants in court, arguing that the unilateral framing of charges against Aleema Khan was unlawful.

The lawyer further said that the inclusion of terrorism charges had already been challenged and that the petition has been admitted for hearing, so "how can charges be framed while the matter is still under judicial consideration?"

The ATC in Islamabad, presided over by Judge Tahir Abbas Sapra also issued non-bailable arrest warrants for several PTI leaders in a case regarding the alleged unrest and law-breaking incidents during the PTI rally at Sangjani.

During the hearing, a case transfer application was also filed by PTI leader Sher Afzal Marwat. The court issued notices on the application and sought arguments from the parties at the next hearing. The court adjourned the further hearing of the case till October 23.

WITH INPUT FROM APP