A counter-terrorism court (ATC) in Rawalpindi on Monday issued a non-bailable arrest warrant against Alima Khan for failing to appear in court in connection with a protest-related case stemming from demonstrations on 26 November 2024.
The court rejected her request for exemption from attendance, citing the absence of any acceptable justification. The hearing was presided over by ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah, who criticised Alima for her “irresponsibility,” noting that witnesses had been required to appear 37 times due to her repeated absences, which had significantly delayed judicial proceedings.
The court instructed the Rawalpindi Superintendent of Police (SP) to execute the arrest warrant and adjourned the next hearing until tomorrow.
Alima Khan has previously faced multiple arrest warrants in the same case due to her repeated non-appearances. On 2 February, her lawyer informed the court that she would not attend until her bank accounts and national identity documents were unfrozen. Despite this, the court ordered the police to secure her presence, confirming that her bank accounts and national ID would remain frozen pending further proceedings.
In October of the previous year, under court orders, the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) blocked Alima’s Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) and passport, restricting her travel and financial transactions.
The case revolves around a protest held on 26 November 2024 in Garrison City, during which Alima Khan, along with ten others, was accused of violating public order. PTI supporters reportedly defied prohibitions on public gatherings, entering Islamabad and clashing with law enforcement near D-Chowk. Police were forced to deploy tear gas to restore order. The three-day protest concluded abruptly after multiple violent encounters.
The demonstrations were aimed at pressuring the government to release the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), who has been in custody since August 2023. The 71-year-old former cricketer-turned-politician was removed from power following a no-confidence vote in April 2022, after which he faced numerous cases ranging from corruption to anti-terrorism charges.
Case Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | 26 November 2024 |
| Location | Garrison City, Islamabad |
| Alleged Offenders | Alima Khan and 10 others |
| Court | Rawalpindi Counter-Terrorism Court (ATC) |
| Presiding Judge | Amjad Ali Shah |
| Arrest Warrant | Non-bailable; police instructed to execute |
| Witness Appearances | 37 times delayed due to defendant’s absence |
| Frozen Documents | CNIC and passport blocked by NADRA |
| Purpose of Protest | Demand release of PTI founder |
The court’s latest directive reinforces the judiciary’s stance on ensuring accountability and maintaining law and order amid politically sensitive demonstrations, while highlighting the ongoing tension between state authorities and opposition political figures in Pakistan.