Pakistan court freezes Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan’s assets and travel documents

A court in Pakistan’s Rawalpindi has ordered the suspension of former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan’s passport, national ID card and bank accounts after she failed to appear in an anti-terrorism case despite non-bailable warrants.

The case stems from a protest held on November 26, 2024, for which Aleema Khan and 10 others were charged under Pakistan’s anti-terrorism laws.

Presiding Judge Amjad Ali Shah directed the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and the country’s immigration and passport department to enforce the orders.

The court also instructed authorities to seize property belonging to Aleema Khan’s guarantor, Umar Sharif.

“The accused is seen everywhere but does not appear before the court,” the judge remarked during proceedings, expressing frustration at her continued absence.

While Aleema Khan’s co-accused were present for the hearing, neither she nor any of her lawyers attended. Special Prosecutor Zaheer Shah appeared on behalf of the state, accompanied by prosecution witnesses and case evidence.

The hearing was adjourned until October 27.

Imran Khan, a former cricket star who served as Pakistan’s prime minister from 2018 until his ouster in a 2022 no-confidence vote, has been in jail since 2023 on multiple charges. His Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has faced an extensive crackdown since violent protests erupted following his arrest, during which several military installations were attacked.