ATC reserves verdict in Nov 26 protest case against Aleema Khan

RAWALPINDI: The Special Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Rawalpindi on Tuesday reserved its verdict in a case against Aleema Khan, sister of former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan, relating to the November 26, 2024 protest.

ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah reserved the verdict after hearing the final arguments in the case. The verdict is scheduled to be announced on Wednesday.

During the hearing, Special Prosecutor Zaheer Shah completed his final arguments.

According to the prosecution, Aleema Khan was accused of planning the November 26 protest and allegedly conspiring with Imran Khan during a meeting at Adiala Jail on November 22, 2024.

The prosecutor said that Aleema addressed the public through media talks after meeting Imran Khan and incited people to participate in the violent protests.

He further alleged that she violated an Islamabad High Court order issued on November 21, 2024, and attempted to pressure and threaten the government by mobilising the party.

The prosecution argued that using violent actions to pressure the government amounted to terrorism.

The prosecution presented videos, statements and material relating to Aleema Khan’s meetings before the court and said forensic analysis of her videos and statements had also been conducted.

Aleema Khan ‘taken into custody’ in Lahore

According to the prosecution, a police official was killed during the violent protests allegedly carried out on Aleema Khan’s instructions, while public and private property and vehicles were set on fire.

He argued that freedom of expression could not be used as a basis for inciting people to violence.

The prosecution further said a Joint Investigation Team had found Aleema Khan responsible. He stated that the November 26 protests caused billions of rupees in economic losses and said Aleema Khan had never denied her statements during the trial.

The case relates to the November 26, 2024 protest by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), when thousands of party supporters travelled towards Islamabad despite restrictions on public gatherings.

The ensuing clashes between protesters and security forces led to violence in parts of the capital, including the Red Zone. PTI subsequently called off its planned sit-in.

Earlier, Aleema Khan was detained in Lahore on Sunday after the city’s deputy commissioner ordered her detention for 30 days under the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance. Police later confirmed that she was taken to Kot Lakhpat Jail.

The detention came ahead of PTI’s planned September 27 countrywide protest and march to Islamabad, which the party has said is aimed at demanding Imran Khan’s release.