RAWALPINDI: A special Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Rawalpindi has deferred its verdict for the fourth time in a case registered against Aleema Khan and 10 other accused in connection with the November 26 protests, ARY News reported today.
ATC Rawalpindi Judge Amjad Ali Shah conducted the hearing today, while Aleema Khan’s counsel, Faisal Malik, appeared before the court alongside his legal team.
The defense counsel urged the court to allow further arguments in the case. However, the court adjourned the hearing without pronouncing its reserved verdict.
The verdict, which was scheduled to be announced today, will now be pronounced on October 26.
According to the prosecution, Aleema Khan is accused of planning the November 26 protest and allegedly conspiring with Imran Khan during a meeting at Adiala Jail on November 22, 2024.
Earlier, Aleema Khan was detained in Lahore after the city’s deputy commissioner ordered her 30-day detention under the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance. Police later confirmed that she was moved to Kot Lakhpat Jail.
The detention came ahead of PTI’s planned September 27 countrywide protest and march toward Islamabad, which the party stated was aimed at demanding Imran Khan’s release.
The November 26 protest case, involving allegations of violence and an alleged conspiracy, was lodged at the Sadiqabad Police Station in Rawalpindi.
During previous proceedings, the prosecution team completed its arguments, after which the court reserved its verdict.
Aleema Khan’s lawyer, Muhammad Faisal Malik, objected to the proceedings, describing the hearing as one-sided. Special security and administrative arrangements were made at the court during that session.
To date, the cross-examination of 19 prosecution witnesses has been completed, and the court has heard various miscellaneous applications filed on behalf of Aleema Khan.
The case stems from the November 26, 2024 protest organized by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), during which thousands of party supporters marched toward Islamabad despite restrictions on public gatherings. Ensuing clashes between protesters and security forces led to violence in several parts of the capital, including the Red Zone, before PTI eventually called off its planned sit-in.