Rawalpindi / Islamabad, 8 October 2025 — The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Rawalpindi has issued an arrest warrant for Aleema Khan, sister of PTI founder Imran Khan, in connection with the November 26 protests. The court also refused her application for a one-day exemption from appearing in person and scheduled indictments for 11 October.

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What Happened in Court

During Wednesday’s hearing, the ATC rejected Aleema’s plea for exemption from physical appearance. The bench, presided by Judge Amjad Ali Shah, directed that she must appear in person at her indictment proceedings on October 11.

Prosecutor Zaheer Shah objected that the powers of attorney (POAs) for Aleema’s legal team — Muhammad Faisal Malik and Hasnain Sumbal — were not on record. He argued that without valid POAs, the lawyers have no legal standing to represent her in this case. The court agreed the representation was not valid under these circumstances unless documented properly.

Thus, the court ordered that Aleema Khan must be arrested and produced before it by October 11, when formal charges (indictment) will be framed.

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The Case Context: November 26 Protests

The charges tie back to the protest action of 26 November 2024, part of PTI’s ‘Final Call’ movement, which culminated in clashes at D-Chowk in Islamabad. The protests were aimed at demanding restoration of PTI’s electoral mandate, release of party leaders, and criticism of constitutional amendments.

In the aftermath, multiple FIRs were registered under anti-terrorism laws and other sections in various jurisdictions, including Sadiqabad Police Station, which is the locus of this particular case. In that case, several PTI leaders and supporters were arrested or booked.

Earlier, in September 2025, Aleema had been granted interim bail in a related D-Chowk protest case by the ATC, with the court observing that there was no clear evidence yet. She was asked to furnish surety bonds and appear at subsequent hearings.

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Legal, Political & Practical Implications

This warrant sets up several tensions:

1. Legal basis & representation
   The POA technicality invoked by the prosecution may become a flashpoint. If representation is considered invalid, Aleema may have to defend herself or reappoint counsel formally.
2. Personal appearance & risk
   The demand that she appear personally may have security, travel, or political implications. If she attempts to avoid court, further warrants, non-bailable orders, or harsher measures could follow.
3. Political optics
   Aleema is a high-profile figure by virtue of her family connections. Her arrest would add drama to an already volatile political climate, especially ahead of possible elections or judicial decisions.
4. Precedent for other PTI leaders
   This is part of a broader pattern: ATCs in Rawalpindi and Islamabad have already issued warrants for dozens of PTI leaders, including Imran Khan, Arif Alvi, and others, in protest cases.
5. Public perception & legitimacy
   How the court and prosecution handle procedural fairness, evidence, and rights will affect public perception about whether justice is being served or used as political leverage.