Rawalpindi, Pakistan – Web Desk: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Rawalpindi on Wednesday adjourned the hearing of a case against Aleema Khan related to the November 26 protest, after accepting a request by the defence to submit her statement under Section 342 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) along with supporting documents.
The court postponed further proceedings until July 3.
Aleema Khan, who is nominated in the case registered at Sadiqabad Police Station, appeared before the court accompanied by her counsel, Faisal Malik. The defence requested additional time to submit her Section 342 statement, stating that documentary evidence would also be attached to the questionnaire responses.
Accepting the plea, ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah directed the defence to file the statement at the next hearing. The court also summoned the Section 342 statements of three other accused in the same case.
During the previous hearing, the court had provided Aleema Khan with a 37-question questionnaire as part of the legal proceedings.
Aleema Khan Criticises Judicial Process
Speaking to reporters outside the courtroom, Aleema Khan alleged that the ongoing court proceedings would not result in justice.
“Only proceedings are taking place in the courts. We already know we will not get justice from any court. We are placing all constitutional and legal violations on record,” she said.
She further claimed that following the 26th and 27th Constitutional Amendments, the judiciary had become subordinate to the government.
Referring to the interior minister, Aleema Khan alleged that government officials determine when courts grant relief or hand down punishment. These remarks represent her allegations and have not been independently verified.
She also claimed that authorities had proposed arranging a formal meeting between Noreen Khan and her brother, but said the family was demanding the restoration of all constitutional rights rather than a symbolic meeting.
Aleema Khan reiterated that peaceful protest is a constitutional and democratic right and said her party would continue to stand by its demands.
Defence Plans High Court Appeal
Defence counsel Faisal Malik told the media that the legal team would attach supporting documents with Aleema Khan’s statement and intends to file an appeal before the High Court seeking to summon Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari as witnesses.
He maintained that, prima facie, no allegation against Aleema Khan had been proven.
