Imran Khan was examined without the presence of his family or personal doctor, says Aleema.
Aleema Khan, sister of PTI founding president Imran Khan. Photo: Express/Archive
RAWALPINDI:
An anti-terrorism court in Rawalpindi on Thursday suspended non-bailable arrest warrants issued against Aleema Khan, sister of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, along with those issued against her guarantors.
The arrest warrants, marking the 13th issuance against Aleema Khan, were issued Wednesday after she again failed to appear in a case related to the Nov. 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 the restoration of the PTI’s electoral mandate, the release of jailed party leaders and the revocation of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, which he claimed had strengthened a “dictatorial regime”.
Supporters from across the country gathered at D-Chowk. The government ruled out negotiations and launched an operation against the protesters, causing the PTI leaders to flee. The protest ended on November 26.
Read: Attaullah Tarar denies any government ‘agreement’ with Imran Khan
The court, headed by Justice Amjad Ali Shah, could not continue the hearing as the judge was on leave. The last two witnesses in the case are scheduled to appear before the investigating agents on the next date.
On Monday, Aleema Khan filed an application seeking exemption from appearing in court, citing her busy schedule with Imran Khan’s medical matters. He requested that his appearance be postponed for two or three days. His request was denied and a non-bailable arrest warrant was issued.
The court ordered the defense attorney to complete cross-examination of the last two witnesses during the next hearing.
Talk with the media
Speaking to the media outside the court today, Aleema Khan criticized the handling of the case and highlighted Imran Khan’s health concerns. He said: “The founder of PTI has an eye problem and our only demand is that he be transferred to Al-Shifa Hospital for treatment,” he said. “Imran Khan’s release will only be possible once Justice Sarfraz Dogar hears the pending cases.”
He also called out authorities over Khan’s scrutiny, saying the government should be ashamed of the way they treated the former prime minister. “He was examined without the presence of family members or his personal doctor,” he added.
Aleema Khan said the cases against her brother, journalist Hamid Raza, and others have been filed for political reasons. “These cases will be quashed in due time, and Insha’Allah, that day will come soon,” he said.
PTI protest
PTI members, along with Aleema Khan, were taking part in a sit-in outside Parliament House, as protesters demanded that Imran Khan receive urgent medical treatment for his eye condition. The demonstration began on Friday and was suspended on Wednesday, after five days.
Read more: PTI ends KP House sit-in as protest continues at Parliament House
The sit-in is linked to concerns over the health of former Prime Minister and PTI founder Imran Khan. On Sunday, a team of five medical specialists conducted a detailed medical examination at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. No PTI leader was present despite the government’s 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 eye examination of Imran Khan. The examination was carried out under the supervision of a two-member medical board, he said.
