An anti-terrorism court in Islamabad has granted bail to Aleema Khan and Uzma Khan, sisters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan. Judge Abul Hasanat Zulqarnain approved their bail against surety bonds of Rs20,000 each.
Arrest Following PTI Demonstration
Aleema and Uzma Khan were detained on October 4 following their participation in a PTI-led protest at D-Chowk, with a case filed at Kohsar Police Station. According to Express News, they were arrested by Islamabad police, transferred to the Secretariat police station, and remanded for physical custody after the PTI protest announcement attracted a large crowd, including the Khan sisters.
Court Proceedings and Arguments on Unlawful Detention
The anti-terrorism court initially remanded Aleema and Uzma Khan for a day’s physical custody, which was then extended. Following their remand, they were presented in court before Judge Tahir Abbas Supra, presiding over the case filed under terrorism charges.
During the proceedings, PTI’s lawyer Niazullah Niazi argued that the sisters’ arrest was unlawful, citing that they were not brought to court until October 6, two days after their detention. He also pointed out that they only received the First Information Report (FIR) via WhatsApp the previous day, emphasizing, “This arrest has become illegal.”
Bail Granted Amidst Ongoing Legal Proceedings
The court ultimately approved their bail, and the case proceedings are expected to continue as PTI challenges the legitimacy of the sisters’ detention and arrest.
