Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan has been granted exemption from appearing before the court in a case related to protests demanding her brother’s release. The development came on Monday when a Rawalpindi anti-terrorism court (ATC) accepted her counsel’s request, postponing further proceedings until September 2. The case has attracted attention not only because of its legal implications but also due to the political and familial connections surrounding Aleema Khan.
Court Grants Exemption
During Monday’s hearing, Judge Amjad Ali Shah listened to the plea submitted by Advocate Muhammad Faisal Malik, representing Aleema Khan. The counsel argued that she could not appear in court due to pressing reasons and requested a one-time exemption. The court accepted the plea, noting that the adjourned hearing would resume a week later. This decision provided temporary relief to Aleema Khan, who is already out on bail in connection with the case.
Background of the Case
The case against Aleema Khan stems from the violent protests that erupted in Islamabad on November 26 last year. These demonstrations were held in solidarity with Imran Khan, following his arrest, and turned violent in some areas. The Sadiqabad Police had registered multiple cases against PTI leaders and activists, including one naming Aleema Khan for allegedly taking part in the protests. Authorities accused several protesters of causing damage to public property and instigating clashes, though Aleema Khan has consistently denied any involvement in unlawful activities.
Arrest of Aleema Khan’s Sons
While Aleema Khan secured exemption in the Rawalpindi ATC, her family continues to face intense scrutiny. On August 22, her son Shershah Khan was detained by police in Lahore, a day after his brother, Shahrez Khan, had already been taken into custody. According to family accounts, plainclothes officers intercepted a vehicle driven by Aleema’s husband, forcibly removing Shershah from the car. This development added to the distress faced by Aleema Khan, who condemned the arrests as part of a wider campaign to silence her family.
A week earlier, Shahrez Khan had been arrested from the family residence. PTI officials alleged that police harassed staff members and intimidated family members during the raid. For Aleema Khan, these arrests represent political persecution, directly targeting her due to her loyalty to her brother, Imran Khan.
Political and Legal Ramifications
The detention of Aleema’s sons and the case against her highlight the ongoing political turbulence in Pakistan. PTI leaders and supporters argue that the government is deliberately targeting the relatives of Imran Khan to weaken the party’s morale. In statements to the media, Aleema Khan has declared that the arrests of her sons are an attempt to “break the will of PTI supporters.” She added that such tactics would only strengthen their resolve.
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Defence Arguments
In court, the defence strongly contested the accusations against Shahrez Khan. Senior lawyer Salman Akram Raja argued that his client had no connection with the May 9, 2023, riots and was not even present in Lahore at the time. He insisted Shahrez was in Chitral and could not have participated in political agitation. Raja further noted that Aleema Khan herself had already been discharged in a related case, suggesting the police were unfairly dragging her sons into baseless legal battles.
This argument echoed the broader PTI narrative, which maintains that charges against family members of its leaders are politically motivated. Aleema Khan, in particular, has become a vocal critic of these arrests, asserting that the cases are designed to undermine her family’s dignity and political voice.
Police and Prosecution’s Stance
Despite these arguments, the prosecution maintained that Shahrez Khan’s name had surfaced in supplementary statements connected to the Jinnah House attack. Prosecutors argued that his continued detention was necessary for questioning. However, even police officials acknowledged that Shahrez was not wanted in other May 9 cases. For Aleema Khan, this contradiction serves as evidence of political victimization rather than a genuine criminal investigation.
Aleema Khan’s Resilience
The legal challenges and personal struggles have not silenced Aleema Khan. Instead, she has continued to speak publicly about what she sees as injustice against her family and her party. Addressing PTI supporters, Aleema Khan emphasized that these difficulties are part of a broader struggle for democratic rights in Pakistan. She reminded her followers that her brother, Imran Khan, has also faced repeated detentions and legal cases, and urged them to remain steadfast.
Broader Context
The ongoing legal battles involving Aleema Khan and her family members come at a time when Pakistan is experiencing heightened political polarization. The May 9 protests and subsequent crackdown have led to hundreds of arrests, with many PTI workers and leaders facing court cases. Observers note that targeting prominent figures like Aleema Khan sends a strong message from the authorities, but also risks fueling political unrest further.
Family Under Pressure
The arrests of her sons have compounded the pressure on Aleema Khan. While she has secured bail and exemption in her own case, the uncertainty surrounding her children weighs heavily on her. Yet, she continues to challenge what she calls “illegal persecution.” Her resilience in the face of personal loss, legal battles, and political harassment has made Aleema Kha a prominent figure in the PTI’s ongoing struggle against government actions.
Conclusion
The adjournment of the ATC hearing may offer temporary relief to Aleema Khan, but her legal and personal struggles are far from over. As the case continues, her family remains under scrutiny, and her sons’ arrests are likely to fuel further controversy. Whether or not the charges against Aleema Khan and her family hold weight in court, her story symbolizes the broader conflict between PTI supporters and state authorities. For now, Aleema remains determined to fight her case, defend her family, and stand firm in support of her brother Imran Khan.
