RAWALPINDI: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Rawalpindi has issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Aleema Khan in connection with a case registered over the November 26 protest at Saddar Police Station.
During the hearing, Aleema Khan’s counsel, Faisal Malik, appeared before the court and filed an application seeking exemption from her personal appearance.
The defense argued that Aleema Khan would not appear before the court until her bank accounts and national identity card were de-frozen.
Special Prosecutor Zaheer Shah opposed the request, stating that the accused could not dictate terms to the court or attempt to “hijack” judicial proceedings.
He added that Aleema Khan’s conduct had been irresponsible from the outset, as she had consistently failed to appear before the court. He questioned how her identity card or bank accounts could be restored when she was not complying with court orders.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the court rejected the plea for exemption and issued non-bailable arrest warrants against Aleema Khan. The court directed the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Rawalpindi to arrest her and present her before the court by tomorrow.
The court further ordered that Aleema Khan’s bank accounts and identity card would remain blocked until she appears in court. Notices were also issued to her surety. The trial has been ordered to proceed on a daily basis, and the hearing was adjourned until tomorrow.
The case was heard by ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah. According to the prosecution, cross-examination of 10 witnesses has already been completed, while additional witnesses had been summoned for examination
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