Tensions in Pakistan’s opposition camp rose sharply after Rawalpindi ATC issued a non-bailable warrant for Aleema Khan, Imran Khan’s sister, over absenteeism in hearings tied to deadly November protests. The court acted decisively after her persistent defiance.
Faisal Malik, her advocate, conditioned attendance on releasing frozen bank details and ID, a stance prosecutor Zahir Shah slammed as obstructive. He called out her ‘irresponsible behavior’ from day one, pressing for accelerated daily trials.
The judge denied exemptions, alerted the surety holder, and set the next date for February 3. Rawalpindi’s top cop must haul her in by Tuesday, assets frozen meanwhile.
Context: PTI’s November 26 power play saw banned marchers flood D-Chowk for Khan’s release, igniting clashes quelled by tear gas. The sit-in fizzled after three volatile days.
PTI escalated to Sindh High Court over MPO-driven arrests of 180 workers in Karachi and Sindh. Party decries pre-dawn raids; authorities dismiss the narrative. With family under fire, PTI’s fight against perceived persecution intensifies in Pakistan’s charged polity.