Ruckus in Anti-Terrorism Court During Hearing of Case Against Aleema Khan

ISLAMABAD: A heated exchange took place between the defence lawyers and the prosecution during the hearing of a case against Aleema Khan regarding the November 26 protest, after questions concerning her alleged benami properties triggered a commotion in the Anti-Terrorism Court.

During the cross-examination of prosecution witness Fatahullah Barki, Prosecutor Zaheer Shah asked whether the witness knew about Aleema Khan’s alleged illegal properties abroad.

Defence lawyer Faisal Malik objected to the question, telling the court that it was irrelevant to the case. The objection led to a heated exchange between the prosecution and defence.

Aleema Khan then appeared at the rostrum and told the court that she had a business abroad, adding that the prosecution should be ashamed of raising such questions.

Zaheer Shah asked her whether illegal properties had not been identified in Dubai and New Jersey. Aleema Khan denied owning any illegal properties and said the properties had been described as benami properties.

The prosecutor further asked whether the Supreme Court had not imposed a fine on her in connection with the benami properties.

Aleema Khan responded that Justice Saqib Nisar had issued a decision contrary to law and that she had subsequently been cleared by the tribunal.

When asked whether she had paid a fine of Rs30 million in compliance with the Supreme Court’s orders, Aleema Khan said that Rs29.4 million had been deposited, but the tribunal later cleared them.

Aleema Khan told the prosecutor that he should be ashamed of raising such issues in court. Zaheer Shah responded sharply, saying that if she committed the offence and paid the fine, why should the prosecution be ashamed.

Aleema Khan then requested the court to record her statement.

When the judge began recording her statement, the defence counsel raised an objection. The ensuing commotion prompted Judge Amjad Ali Khan to express strong displeasure with the defence lawyer.

The judge said that if the accused wanted to have her statement recorded, there was no reason for the court to refuse it. He directed everyone to maintain the decorum of the courtroom.

Following the disturbance, Judge Amjad Ali Khan left his seat and adjourned further proceedings in the case.