Aleema Khan Granted Relief Again in November 26 Protest Case

Rawalpindi: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Rawalpindi has granted one-day exemption from appearance to Aleema Khan in the November 26 protest case.

The decision was announced by ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah, who had earlier reserved the verdict after hearing arguments on Aleema Khan’s plea seeking exemption from personal appearance. She did not appear before the court again and had filed a request for exemption.

The public prosecutor strongly opposed the plea, urging the court to issue non-bailable arrest warrants against the accused and appoint a state counsel to cross-examine the final witness. The prosecutor argued that Aleema Khan was deliberately avoiding court appearances and that only one witness, the investigating officer, remained to be cross-examined.

After hearing arguments from both the defense counsel and the prosecution, the court reserved its decision and later approved Aleema Khan’s request for one-day exemption. The hearing of the case has been adjourned until March 9.

The court remarked that no further exemptions would be granted and directed all accused, including Aleema Khan, to ensure their appearance on the next hearing date. The defense counsel has been instructed to complete the cross-examination of the investigating officer at the next hearing.

The court also ordered that the power of attorney documents from the party’s founding chairman be verified by the jail superintendent and provided to the lawyers.