In a move that has sparked intense debate, a Pakistani anti-terrorism court has once again issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Aleema Khan, the sister of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. But here's where it gets controversial: despite repeated summons, Aleema has consistently failed to appear before the court, raising questions about accountability and privilege. Is this a case of selective justice, or is Aleema simply exercising her rights?
On Monday, ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah presided over a hearing related to the November 26 protest, a case filed at Sadiqabad Police Station. Neither Aleema Khan nor her legal team attended, prompting the court to express deep frustration over her absence. Prosecutor Zaheer Shah presented five witnesses, highlighting that while other accused and witnesses had complied with court orders, Aleema had repeatedly ignored summons. This led the court to reissue the arrest warrants and take drastic measures: it directed the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), the State Bank of Pakistan, and the Director General of Immigration to block her national identity card, freeze her bank accounts, and restrict her passport. The hearing was adjourned until October 30, leaving many to wonder about the implications of such actions.
But this isn’t the only case making waves in the courts. In a separate matter, Anti-Terrorism Court Judge Abual Hasanat Muhammad Zulqarnain ordered the removal of PTI Senator Azam Swati’s passport from the block list. Swati’s petition argued that he was in jail when the case was registered, and his inclusion on the list was solely to prevent him from traveling abroad. The court accepted his application after hearing arguments, raising questions about the fairness of such restrictions. And this is the part most people miss: how often are such measures used to silence political opponents?
In yet another case, Judge Zulqarnain granted pre-arrest bail to Faisal Amin Gandapur, brother of PTI leader Ali Amin Gandapur, in two separate cases. The judge approved interim bail against bonds of Rs5,500 each and issued notices to the parties involved, adjourning the hearing until November 24. These cases, registered at Sangjani Police Station and the Secretariat, further highlight the complex interplay between politics and the judiciary in Pakistan.
What do you think? Are these court decisions fair, or do they reflect deeper issues within Pakistan’s legal system? Share your thoughts in the comments below—this is a conversation that needs to happen.
