Police Refrain from Arresting Aleema Khan Despite Court-Issued Warrant
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Despite a non-bailable arrest warrant, Rawalpindi police refrained from arresting Aleema Khan, sister of PTI founder Imran Khan. The development has sparked debate over selective law enforcement and judicial accountability in Pakistan.
Introduction
In a surprising turn of events, Rawalpindi police on Thursday chose not to arrest Aleema Khan, the sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, despite a valid non-bailable arrest warrant issued by an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC).
The move has raised questions about the uneven implementation of justice and the political influence surrounding high-profile cases in Pakistan. Aleema Khan, who appeared at the Islamabad High Court (IHC) for an unrelated hearing, signed the arrest warrant and voluntarily surrendered to the police — only to be told she could “come back to court tomorrow.”
Background: The Warrant and the Case
Fourth Non-Bailable Warrant Issued
The Anti-Terrorism Court in Rawalpindi, presided over by Judge Amjad Ali Shah, had issued a non-bailable arrest warrant for Aleema Khan for the fourth time in connection with a protest-related case dating back to November 26, 2022.
The case involves allegations of incitement and disruption of public order during a PTI-led demonstration that turned violent. Several PTI leaders, including party activists and local office bearers, were charged under anti-terrorism provisions for their participation in the protest.
Despite multiple warrants, Aleema Khan had not been taken into custody, prompting the ATC to criticize the police for what it called a “bogus report” claiming she had gone into hiding.
“The report submitted by the police lacks credibility and appears to be fabricated,” Judge Amjad remarked during the last hearing, directing police officials to comply with court orders.
Police Officers Summoned for Contempt
Following the police’s failure to execute the arrest warrant, the court issued show-cause notices to SP Rawal Division Muhammad Saad and DSP Waris Khan Circle Naeem, summoning them for contempt of court proceedings.
The ATC directed the officers to appear in person on Friday and explain why Aleema Khan had not been arrested despite repeated court directives.
The incident has placed law enforcement agencies under intense scrutiny, with critics arguing that political connections continue to influence the application of justice in Pakistan’s legal system.
The Day of the Incident: At the Islamabad High Court
Aleema Khan’s Appearance
On Thursday, Aleema Khan was present at the Islamabad High Court for a separate hearing related to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi’s petition, which sought permission to meet Imran Khan at Adiala Jail.
Coincidentally, a Rawalpindi police team also arrived at the IHC premises to execute her non-bailable arrest warrant.
In a display of compliance, Aleema signed the arrest warrant herself and surrendered before the police officers. However, in an unexpected move, the police declined to arrest her, simply stating:
“Come back to court tomorrow.”
Eyewitnesses described the scene as tense yet calm, with Aleema’s legal team standing by and journalists gathering to record her response.
Aleema Khan’s Reaction
Speaking to the media outside the IHC, Aleema Khan said she was fully prepared for arrest and had even cooperated with the authorities in good faith.
“Someone informed me that my arrest warrant had arrived,” she said. “The police came to arrest me, I signed the warrant myself, and then they just left without taking me into custody. We were ready for arrest, but after getting my signature, they simply walked away.”
Her remarks drew widespread attention online, with social media users questioning why law enforcement failed to act despite clear judicial orders.
Political Context: PTI and the Legal System
A Pattern of Selective Enforcement
Analysts say the episode reflects Pakistan’s long-standing problem of selective justice, where political figures face varying degrees of accountability depending on their affiliations.
While PTI leaders and workers have been facing frequent arrests, trials, and police actions since the 2023 crackdown on the party, instances like this raise doubts about consistency in law enforcement.
“It’s not about whether Aleema Khan is guilty or innocent — it’s about whether the law is being applied equally,” said political analyst Dr. Hassan Askari Rizvi. “When a warrant is ignored, it weakens the judiciary’s authority.”
Tensions Between PTI and the State
The PTI leadership, including Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi, and other senior figures, continues to face a series of legal challenges. Many of these cases stem from protests, alleged corruption, and national security violations.
Aleema’s latest brush with the law adds another layer to PTI’s legal troubles, especially as the party’s core members claim they are being targeted through politically motivated cases.
Judicial Oversight and Public Perception
The Court’s Dilemma
The Anti-Terrorism Court’s reaction to police non-compliance reflects a growing frustration within the judiciary over the executive branch’s selective obedience to court orders.
Legal experts argue that such incidents erode public trust in both the police system and the judicial process.
“If police can decide when and whom to arrest despite a judge’s warrant, it undermines the very essence of judicial independence,” said lawyer Abid Zuberi, President of the Supreme Court Bar Association.
The contempt proceedings scheduled for Friday could determine whether disciplinary action will be taken against the officers involved.
Public Reaction
On social media, hashtags like #AleemaKhan and #SelectiveJustice trended throughout the day. Some users accused the government of using double standards, while others viewed the police’s hesitation as a sign of political pressure or fear of backlash.
Political commentators noted that the optics of non-arrest — especially when Aleema herself appeared ready to comply — have raised uncomfortable questions about rule of law in Pakistan.
PTI’s Response
PTI leaders condemned the ongoing legal actions against party members but described the non-arrest as “proof of confusion within the system.”
A senior PTI spokesperson, speaking anonymously, said:
“The government has no consistent strategy. On one hand, they want to suppress the party, and on the other, they avoid executing court orders when it suits them politically.”
PTI’s social media teams amplified Aleema’s statement, framing it as evidence that the judiciary and law enforcement are being manipulated by “hidden hands” seeking to control political narratives.
Legal Experts Weigh In
Law and Procedure
Under Pakistani criminal procedure, a non-bailable arrest warrant requires immediate execution by the concerned police authority. Failure to comply may result in contempt charges or departmental disciplinary action.
Legal analyst Barrister Umair Siddiqui explained that Aleema Khan’s case “highlights a procedural breakdown.”
