RAWALPINDI: The Special Anti-Terrorism Court of Rawalpindi on Monday rejected the application for exemption of Aleema Khanum, the sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan, in a case registered by Sadiqabad police station in connection with the PTI’s November 26 protest, and once again issued non-bailable arrest warrant against her.
The court directed the SP Rawal Division to arrest Aleema and produce her in the court on Tuesday (today). The court remarked that her bank accounts and identity card will remain blocked until she appears in court.
The court also issued notices to Aleema Khanum’s guarantors Nadeem Bilal and Wajid Mahmood. Aleema’s counsel Faisal Malik and special prosecutor Zaheer Shah were present in court, along with other accused and prosecution witnesses.
Aleema’s lawyer filed an application for exemption from personal appearance, arguing that she would not appear in court until her bank accounts and CNIC were restored. The prosecution strongly objected saying the accused cannot dictate terms to the court, nor can she hijack the proceedings.
The prosecution further argued that the court has already ordered daily trial in the case, but from the very first day her conduct has been irresponsible. After hearing arguments from both sides, the court rejected the exemption application and issued non-bailable arrest warrants against Aleema Khanum.
It directed SP Rawal to arrest her and produce her before the court today. The court once again observed that until Aleema appears before the court, her bank accounts and CNIC will remain blocked.
It is worth mentioning that in this case, cross-examination of 10 prosecution witnesses has already been completed, while the court has summoned more witnesses for cross-examination.
Regarding the application filed for the medical examination of former prime minister Imran Khan, the court sought a report from the superintendent of Adiala Jail and adjourned the hearing until Tuesday (today).
During the hearing of the application seeking permission for PTI founder’s personal doctors to examine him inside the prison, Khan’s counsel argued that both the family and the party were concerned about his health, and therefore his personal physicians should be allowed to conduct his medical check-up. After hearing the arguments, the court sought a report from the superintendent of Adiala Jail regarding this matter and adjourned the hearing till Tuesday (today).
