ATC Defers Verdict in Aleema Khan Protest Case for Fifth Time
Imran had argued that the amendment strengthened what he described as a “dictatorial regime”.
RAWALPINDI: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Rawalpindi on Monday postponed its verdict for the fifth time in a case against Aleema Khan, sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, relating to the November 2024 protests.
ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah deferred the verdict until November 26. The case was registered at Sadiqabad police station and concerns protests linked to PTI demonstrations at D-Chowk in Islamabad in November 2024.
Aleema could not appear in court as she remains detained. The other 11 accused were present, along with defence counsel Faisal Mahmood Malik and the prosecutor.
Case Linked to PTI’s November Protest
The case relates to Imran Khan’s “final call” for nationwide demonstrations demanding the restoration of PTI’s electoral mandate, the release of jailed party leaders and the reversal of the 26th Constitutional Amendment.
Imran had argued that the amendment strengthened what he described as a “dictatorial regime”.
PTI supporters from across the country gathered at D-Chowk in Islamabad. The government ruled out negotiations and launched an operation against the protesters, prompting PTI leaders to leave the area. The demonstration ended on November 26, 2024.
Imran Khan’s Sisters Detained Under MPO
Aleema, along with Imran Khan’s two other sisters, Noreen Niazi and Uzma Khan, was detained in September under Section 3 of the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance, 1960.
The Lahore deputy commissioner issued 30-day detention orders against the three women, citing police reports alleging that their activities posed a threat to public safety and the maintenance of public order.
The sisters subsequently challenged their detention in the Lahore High Court (LHC), seeking the cancellation of the orders and their immediate release.
On September 25, the LHC declined to suspend the detention orders against Uzma and Noreen at that stage and sought responses from the relevant authorities.
