Arrest Warrant Issued Against Alima Khan

A counter-terrorism court (ATC) in Rawalpindi on Monday issued a non-bailable arrest warrant against Alima Khan for failing to appear in connection with a protest-related case held on 26 November 2024.

The court rejected her plea to excuse her absence, stating that she had offered no valid reason for not attending. The hearing was presided over by ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah, who criticised Khan’s “irresponsibility,” noting that witnesses had been required to appear 37 times in court due to her repeated absences, thereby significantly delaying the judicial process.

The court instructed the Rawal Superintendent of Police (SP) to execute the arrest warrant and adjourned the next hearing until tomorrow.

Alima Khan has previously faced multiple arrest warrants for repeated non-appearance in the same case. Most recently, on 2 February 2025, her lawyer informed the court that she would not appear until her bank accounts and national identity documents were unfrozen. Despite this, the court ordered the police to ensure her presence and clarified that the freeze on her documents would remain in effect.

In October 2024, following a court directive, the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) blocked Khan’s Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) and passport.

The case centres on a protest held on 26 November 2024 in Garrison City, in which Alima Khan and ten other individuals were implicated. Supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) defied restrictions to enter Islamabad, clashing with law enforcement near D-Chowk. Police responded by deploying tear gas to disperse the crowds. The three-day protest, marked by violent confrontations, ended abruptly.

The demonstrators’ stated aim was to pressure the government for the release of the PTI founder, a 71-year-old former cricketer turned politician, who has been in detention since August 2023. He was ousted from power following a no-confidence vote in April 2022 and has faced multiple cases ranging from corruption to terrorism charges.

Protest Timeline and Police Response

The court’s latest order emphasises accountability and the necessity of compliance with judicial procedures. It also reflects the judiciary’s intention to prevent further delays in this high-profile case, which has already garnered national attention.