Court Upholds Anti-Terror Charges Against Aleema Khan

A Pakistan anti-terror court has dismissed Aleema Khan's request to dismiss charges linked to a 2024 protest. Alleged offenses include illegal protest and anti-government slogans. The court maintained that terrorism charges under Section 7 of the ATA are valid, despite Aleema's absence from several hearings.

A Pakistan anti-terror court has rejected a petition by Aleema Khan, sister of former premier Imran Khan, seeking the dismissal of terrorism charges against her. The charges stem from her participation in a protest called by Imran Khan in November 2024.

The case, registered at Sadiqabad police station in Rawalpindi, names Aleema among 11 accused individuals, charged with illegal protest, chanting anti-government slogans, vandalism, and stone-pelting. Aleema sought to have the terrorism charges, brought under Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), removed.

However, Justice Amjad Ali Shah ruled that the charges were valid and the court had jurisdiction. The petition was denied, and the case adjourned until December 4, with government witnesses summoned. The proceedings have become controversial, with Aleema missing several court dates before appearing after property seizure orders and arrest warrants were issued.

(With inputs from agencies.)