The Anti-Terrorism Court has postponed its reserved verdict in the November 26 case against Aleema Khan, sister of the PTI founder Imran Khan, for the third time. The case relates to the November 26, 2024 protest by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), when thousands of party supporters travelled towards Islamabad despite restrictions on public gatherings. The ensuing clashes between protesters and security forces led to violence in parts of the capital, including the Red Zone. PTI subsequently called off its planned sit-in.

Aleema Khan’s legal team, comprising lawyer Muhammad Faisal Malik, appeared before the court. According to court staff, the judge of the Anti-Terrorism Court is on leave to attend a specialised training course. The reserved verdict in the case has been deferred until October 16. The case, involving allegations related to the November 26 protest, violence and a alleged conspiracy, was registered at Sadiqabad Police Station in Rawalpindi. Cross-examination of 19 prosecution witnesses has already been completed in the case.

During the proceedings, the court also heard various miscellaneous applications filed on behalf of Aleema Khan. Earlier, Aleema Khan was detained in Lahore on Sunday after the city’s deputy commissioner ordered her detention for 30 days under the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance. Police later confirmed that she was taken to Kot Lakhpat Jail. The detention came ahead of PTI’s planned September 27 countrywide protest and march to Islamabad, which the party has said is aimed at demanding Imran Khan’s release.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)