Imran Khan examined without presence of family or personal doctors, says Aleema
Aleema Khan, the sister of PTI founder president Imran Khan. Photo: Express/File
RAWALPINDI:
An anti-terrorism court in Rawalpindi on Thursday suspended the non-bailable arrest warrants issued against Aleema Khan, the sister of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, as well as those issued against her sureties.
The arrest warrants, which marked the 13th arrest warrant issued against Aleema Khan, were issued on Wednesday after she again failed to appear in a case linked to the November 26 protest.
The case is registered at Sadiqabad police station and relates to a protest organized at D-Chowk in Islamabad on November 24, 2024.
The protest followed a “final call” by Imran Khan for nationwide protests demanding the restoration of the PTI’s electoral mandate, the release of jailed party leaders and the annulment of the 26th constitutional amendment, which he said had strengthened a “dictatorial regime”.
Supporters from across the country gathered at D-Chowk. The government ruled out any negotiations and launched an operation against the 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 Justice Amjad Ali Shah, could not continue the hearing as the judge was on leave. The last two witnesses in this case must now appear before investigators at a future date.
On Monday, Aleema Khan filed an application for exemption from appearing in court, citing her busy schedule with Imran Khan’s medical affairs. She asked that her appearance be postponed for two to three days. His request was denied and a warrant for his arrest without bail was issued.
The court ordered the defense lawyer to complete the cross-examination of the last two witnesses at the next hearing.
Media discussion
Speaking to the media outside the court today, Aleema Khan criticized the handling of the case and highlighted Imran Khan’s health problems. 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. “The release of Imran Khan will be possible only after Justice Sarfraz Dogar hears the pending cases.
She also called out authorities over Khan’s review, saying the government should be ashamed of the way it treated the former prime minister. “He was examined without the presence of his family or his personal doctors,” she added.
Aleema Khan said the cases against her brother, veteran journalist Hamid Raza, and others were filed on political grounds. “These cases will be canceled in due time, 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, as protesters demanded that Imran Khan receive urgent medical treatment for his eye problem. The demonstration began on Friday and was canceled on Wednesday, after five days.
Learn more: PTI ends KP House sit-in as Parliament protest continues
The sit-in is linked to concerns over the health of former Prime Minister and PTI founder Imran Khan. A team of five specialist doctors conducted a detailed medical examination at Adiala Prison in Rawalpindi on Sunday. No PTI leaders were present despite an offer from the government to allow them to witness the monitoring.
Adiala Prison Superintendent Sajid Baig said a team of specialists visited the prison with medical equipment, medicines and other supplies to conduct the eye examination of Imran Khan. The examination was carried out under the supervision of a two-member medical commission, he said.
