The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad granted bail to Aleema Khan and Uzma Khanum, the sisters of PTI founder Imran Khan, on Friday. Their detention stemmed from a protest in the capital, which took place despite Section 144 restrictions. Earlier this month, numerous PTI supporters, including the sisters, gathered in various locations across Islamabad, challenging extensive police barricades designed to limit their movement. Authorities had even dug trenches and laid iron nails along the Islamabad-Peshawar motorway to prevent demonstrators from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from entering the city.
Despite these measures, protesters managed to assemble near the high-security Red Zone, specifically at D-Chowk, which prompted police to arrest over 100 PTI members, including Imran’s sisters. They were accused of inciting unrest and causing damage to property during the protests. Reports indicated violent clashes between protesters and law enforcement, featuring stone-pelting and the use of tear gas.
Following their arrest, a case was filed against Aleema and Uzma under terrorism charges related to the D-Chowk incident, which was handled by Kohsar police. Just a day before the bail hearing, ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra had ordered a one-day physical remand for the sisters. Their legal representation, including lawyers Niazullah Niazi and Ansar Mahmood Kiyani, argued against the prosecution’s claims, emphasizing a lack of evidence showing the sisters inciting chaos. They contended that the sisters were being unfairly targeted for political reasons.
After evaluating the arguments, the court granted bail at a cost of Rs20,000 each. PTI confirmed the decision, expressing hope for Imran Khan’s release as well. While the sisters received bail in this case, another case registered at the Aabpara police station against them does not include terrorism charges and remains unresolved.
