Anti‑terrorism court issues non‑bailable warrant for Aleema Khan

February 2, 2026

A Rawalpindi Anti‑Terrorism Court (ATC) in Pakistan on Monday issued a non‑bailable arrest warrant for Aleema Khan, the sister of Pakistan Tehreek‑e‑Insaf (PTI) founder and former prime minister Imran Khan. The warrant was issued in connection with the November 26 protest case when large crowds affiliated with PTI clashed with security forces during demonstrations in the federal capital.

Absence From Court Triggers Action

The warrant came after Aleema repeatedly failed to appear before the court despite several summons in the case. The ATC Judge, Amjad Ali Shah, rejected her legal team’s plea for exemption from personal appearance and ordered the Rawalpindi superintendent of police to arrest her and produce her in court by the next hearing date.

Lawyer’s Statement and Court Response

During the proceedings, Aleema Khan’s lawyer argued that she would not appear in court until her bank accounts and national identity card (CNIC) were unfrozen. The court, however, dismissed this contention, calling her stance “irresponsible” and emphasizing that no one can dictate or delay court proceedings.

Background: November 26 Protest Case

The case relates to protests held on November 26, 2024, when PTI supporters defied a ban and gathered in Islamabad, leading to clashes with police and security forces. Aleema was named among the accused for her alleged role in the demonstrations, along with other PTI members. Her absence from successive hearings has repeatedly prompted the ATC to issue warrants over time.

Previous Legal Steps

Earlier in similar proceedings, courts had blocked Aleema’s CNIC and passport and frozen her bank accounts in efforts to secure her appearance. Despite these measures, she continued to skip hearings, leading to the latest non‑bailable warrant from the ATC. Prosecutors have urged that the trial proceed daily regardless of her presence, underscoring the court’s displeasure with her non‑attendance.

Political and Legal Impact

The warrant adds to the ongoing legal challenges facing the PTI leadership, including Imran Khan, who is already incarcerated on separate cases. PTI officials have criticized the judicial processes as politically motivated, but the courts have so far maintained that due process must be followed. The latest warrant is expected to intensify scrutiny on Pakistan’s legal treatment of political figures.