RAWALPINDI: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Rawalpindi on Monday adjourned the hearing of the case registered against Aleema Khanum in connection with the November 26 protest until June 8, after proceedings involving prosecution witnesses and defence requests.
During the hearing, defence counsel completed the cross-examination of the last prosecution witness, Inspector Khalil. With this, the cross-examination of all 18 prosecution witnesses was completed.
However, the defence lawyer filed a written application seeking further cross-examination of two previously recorded prosecution witnesses including Director Monitoring PEMRA and NADRA official Nadir Khan, as well as Investigation Officer Raja Iftikhar. While objecting to reopening the issue, Prosecutor Zaheer Shah asked the court that a decision regarding them had already been made. He maintained that the defence should submit a formal written request if it wished to pursue further cross-examination. The court observed that it would examine the issue before issuing any ruling on the defence plea.
During the proceedings, Aleema Khanum remarked that a fair trial was her fundamental right while speaking to the prosecutor. Following the arguments, Anti-Terrorism Court Judge Amjad Ali Shah adjourned further hearing of the case until June 8.
