RAWALPINDI – The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Rawalpindi released Imran Khan’s sister, Aliema Khan, on bail after briefly taking her into temporary judicial custody during proceedings in the November 26 protest case registered at Sadiqabad Police Station.
The hearing was marked by heated exchanges between defense lawyers and the prosecution. Police attempted to take Aliema Khan into custody, prompting strong protests from her counsel. The court clarified that no formal order for custody had been issued, calling the incident a “misunderstanding.”
- Prosecution stance: Claimed that the accused’s conduct was disrupting trial proceedings and cited the presence of eight witnesses whose duties were being affected.
- Defense demand: Called for action against police officers who tried to detain her and requested adjournment of the case until December 1.
Aliema Khan’s lawyers also petitioned for the unfreezing of bank accounts belonging to Shaukat Khanum Hospital and Namal University, arguing that freezing them harmed children’s futures. The prosecution countered that accounts were frozen due to “irresponsible behavior” but could be restored if regular court attendance was ensured.
Speaking in court, Aliema Khan said: “We trust the court, we will get justice.” Outside the courtroom, she told media that police had surrounded her unlawfully and criticized the freezing of accounts linked to charitable institutions. She insisted that she had not been proven guilty and questioned why Shaukat Khanum was being targeted.
Aliema Khan further stated that the November 26 protest was peaceful, involving women and children, yet security forces opened fire. She paid tribute to those killed during the protest, calling them “martyrs.”
She accused the government of creating a climate of fear, saying constitutional amendments were being made under pressure, dictatorship had gone further than before, and millions had left Pakistan due to worsening conditions.
The court adjourned proceedings until December 1, while also noting it would revisit the issue of frozen accounts at the next hearing.
