Imran Khan was examined without the presence of family or his personal physicians, Aleema says
Aleema Khan, the sister of PTI founding chairman Imran Khan. Photo: Express/ File
RAWALPINDI:
An anti-terrorism court in Rawalpindi on Thursday suspended the non-bailable arrest warrants issued for Aleema Khan, the sister of former prime minister Imran Khan, along with those issued for her guarantors.
The warrants, which marked the 13th issued against Aleema Khan, had been issued on Wednesday after she again failed to appear in a case related to the November 26 protest.
The case is registered at Sadiqabad Police Station and relates to a protest held at D-Chowk in Islamabad on November 24, 2024.
The protest followed a “final call” by Imran Khan for nationwide demonstrations demanding restoration of PTI’s electoral mandate, the release of jailed party leaders, and reversal of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, which he said had empowered a “dictatorial regime”.
Supporters from across the country gathered at D-Chowk. The government ruled out negotiations and launched an operation against protesters, prompting PTI leaders to flee. The protest ended on November 26.
Read: Attaullah Tarar denies any government ‘deal’ with Imran Khan
The court, presided over by Judge Amjad Ali Shah, could not proceed with the hearing as the judge was on leave. The last two witnesses in the case are now scheduled to appear before the investigating officers on the next date.
On Monday, Aleema Khan filed a request seeking exemption from appearing in court, citing her busy schedule with Imran Khan’s medical matters. She requested that her appearance be deferred by two to three days. Her request was rejected, and a non-bailable arrest warrant was issued.
The court directed the defence lawyer to complete the cross-examination of the last two witnesses during the next hearing.
Media talk
Speaking to the media outside the court today, Aleema Khan criticised the handling of the case and highlighted health concerns of Imran Khan. She said, “The PTI founder has an eye problem, and our only demand is that he be transferred to Al-Shifa Hospital for treatment,” she said. “Imran Khan’s release will only be possible once Justice Sarfraz Dogar hears the pending cases.”
She also called on the authorities over Khan’s examination, saying that the government should feel ashamed for the way they treated the former prime minister. “He was examined without the presence of family or his personal physicians,” she added.
Aleema Khan said that the cases against her brother, senior journalist Hamid Raza, and others have been filed on political grounds. “These cases will be nullified in due course, and Insha’Allah, that day will come soon,” she said.
PTI protest
PTI members, along with Aleema Khan, were participating in a sit-in outside Parliament House, as protesters demanded that Imran Khan be provided urgent medical treatment for his eye condition. The demonstration began on Friday and was called off on Wednesday, after five days.
Read more: PTI ends K-P House sit-in as Parliament House protest continues
The sit-in is linked to concerns over former premier and PTI founder Imran Khan’s health. On Sunday, a five-member team of specialist doctors conducted a detailed medical examination at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. No PTI leaders were present despite a government offer to allow them to witness the check-up.
Adiala Jail Superintendent Sajid Baig said a team of specialists visited the jail with medical equipment, medicines, and other supplies to conduct Imran Khan’s eye examination. The check-up was carried out under the supervision of a two-member medical board, he said.
