An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Rawalpindi has mandated the seizure of the passport and computerized national identity card (CNIC) of Aleema Khan, who is the sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan. The order was issued after she repeatedly failed to appear in court for proceedings linked to the PTI’s protest on November 26 of the previous year.
Court Issues Confiscation Orders
Presiding Judge Amjad Ali Shah directed the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and the Directorate of Immigration and Passports to implement the confiscation orders. This legal action follows the court’s issuance of a non-bailable arrest warrant for Aleema Khan for the fourth time just two days prior, citing her persistent absence from the hearings related to the case’s FIRs.
Background of the November 26 Protest
The case stems from a protest held on November 26 last year, where PTI supporters marched on Islamabad in violation of a government-imposed ban on public gatherings. The demonstration escalated into clashes with law enforcement agencies near D-Chowk, leading police to use teargas to disperse the crowds. The former ruling party’s planned three-day protests were cut short following the intense confrontations.
Expanded Measures and Judicial Remarks
Beyond the travel document seizures, the court also instructed authorities to freeze Aleema Khan’s bank accounts. Furthermore, the ATC ordered the confiscation of property belonging to her guarantor, Umar Sharif. Judge Amjad Ali Shah observed that while Aleema Khan remains publicly active, she has consistently avoided the court’s proceedings. The hearing was adjourned until October 27.
Contrasting Legal Development in Lahore
In a separate but related legal matter, an anti-terrorism court in Lahore took a different stance. ATC Judge Manzar Ali Gul extended the interim bail of Aleema Khan and Uzma Khan until December 5 in a case concerning an alleged attack on police during a PTI protest on October 5. Aleema appeared in this hearing, while Uzma Khan sought exemption from personal appearance. The court has instructed the prosecution to present its complete arguments on the bail pleas at the next hearing.
