Islamabad, Oct 22 (NationPress) An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Rawalpindi has once more issued a non-bailable arrest warrant for Aleema Khan, the sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan. This action is in connection with cases stemming from the party's protest on November 26 of last year, as reported by local media outlets.

During the hearing, ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah expressed frustration at Aleema Khan's absence, marking this as the fourth instance of issuing a non-bailable arrest warrant after she failed to appear despite multiple summons. The judge ordered the forfeiture of her surety bonds worth PKR 100,000 to the state and issued a showcause notice to her guarantor, Umar Sharif, requiring a response by October 24.

Furthermore, the court demanded that Aleema Khan present two surety bonds of PKR 1 million each. The judge questioned how Aleema Khan could remain elusive while being able to speak to the media outside Adiala Jail. The judge then postponed further proceedings until October 24.

On November 26, last year, PTI supporters defied a ban on public gatherings by entering Islamabad and clashed with law enforcement near D-Chowk, resulting in police using tear gas to disperse the crowd.

The three-day protests launched by PTI concluded abruptly after violent clashes broke out between supporters and law enforcement. The November 26 demonstration aimed to exert pressure on the government for the release of Imran Khan, who has been incarcerated since August 2023 over various allegations, including corruption and terrorism following his ousting from power.

In September, PTI condemned the filing of another FIR against Aleema Khan, which also implicated another leader, Naeem Haider Panjutha, along with several others.

The PTI central media department released a statement asserting that the FIR was originally filed under several sections of the Pakistan Penal Code, but terrorism clauses were added later, leading to accusations of abuse of law. The statement emphasized the political victimization and manipulation of the justice system against their members.

The party denounced the case as entirely fabricated, driven by political vendetta, and criticized the Punjab Police and provincial government for generating 'fake' FIRs targeting Imran Khan's family.

PTI affirmed that Aleema Khan is being targeted solely for her support of her brother, Imran Khan, and for promoting his message to the public. The spokesperson characterized her as a dignified and courageous woman, reiterating the party's unwavering support for her.