A Rawalpindi Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) has postponed the announcement of its verdict in a case involving Aleema Khan and 10 others in connection with the November 26, 2024 protest.
The court had scheduled the verdict for September 25 but deferred the announcement following the absence of ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah. The verdict will now be announced on October 1.
Judge Amjad Ali Shah had reserved the verdict on September 22 after the prosecution completed its arguments. However, Aleema Khan’s lawyer, Muhammad Faisal Malik, objected to the proceedings, arguing that the defence had not been given an opportunity to present its arguments.
Speaking to the media outside the Rawalpindi ATC, Malik said he had appeared before the court during the previous hearing and had requested an exemption from personal appearance for his client.
He maintained that the court should hear the defence’s arguments before announcing the verdict. Malik said he had no objection to the prosecution presenting its case but claimed that no arguments had been heard on behalf of Aleema Khan.
The lawyer also challenged the decision to reserve the verdict, describing it as unlawful because the defence had allegedly not been given an opportunity to present its arguments. He further claimed that there was no evidence against Aleema Khan in the case.
The case relates to the November 26, 2024 protest in Islamabad, when thousands of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters moved towards the capital despite restrictions on public gatherings.
The protest led to clashes between demonstrators and security personnel in parts of Islamabad, including the Red Zone. PTI later called off its planned sit-in.
Following the protests, cases were registered against several PTI leaders under various provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code and Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act.
Aleema Khan and 10 others were booked in a case registered at Sadiqabad Police Station in Rawalpindi. The case includes allegations related to the November 26 protest and clashes between protesters and security personnel.
