The Impressive TimesIslamabad [Pakistan], November 27 : A Pakistan Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) has declared former opposition leader Omar Ayub Khan a proclaimed offender after he repeatedly failed to appear in hearings related to an October 4 protest case, according to Dawn.
During Wednesday’s hearing, ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra noted that Ayub had ignored multiple summons, compelling the court to initiate formal proclamation procedures. Authorities have also been directed to prepare a complete record of Ayub’s movable and immovable assets. Additionally, his passport and Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) have been ordered to be blocked.
The case pertains to a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest held last year, in which Omar Ayub and other senior party leaders were booked under anti-terrorism provisions. Earlier this year, prosecutors submitted a challan alleging that several PTI figures incited violence and caused severe disruptions during the demonstration. The court has adjourned proceedings until further formalities associated with the proclamation are completed.
Meanwhile, in Rawalpindi, separate protest-linked proceedings took an unexpected turn when Aleema Khan, sister of former prime minister Imran Khan, was briefly detained by women police officials inside another ATC. Aleema is among 11 individuals accused of arson, obstruction of government operations, and encirclement of officials during a November 26 protest last year.
ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah was hearing the matter when the court was informed that arguments would be taken up regarding an application filed by co-accused Safai challenging the ATC’s jurisdiction. The judge noted that all 11 accused, including Aleema, had already been indicted.
Prosecutor Zaheer Shah asserted that the charges carry terrorism implications given the nature of the alleged offences. When Aleema attempted to exit the courtroom, citing the absence of her legal counsel who were busy at the Supreme Court, women police officers intercepted her. She was escorted back, with the prosecution stating she was “in judicial custody under Section 351” and could not leave without court permission.
A heated exchange followed as defence lawyer Faisal Malik argued that Aleema had voluntarily surrendered and that there was “no judicial order authorising her detention”. He called the police action “unacceptable” and sought legal action against those involved.
Judge Shah observed, “If you had come on time, this might not have happened,” while the prosecution accused the defence of causing repeated delays. With eight police witnesses present despite their duties, the court ordered each of the 11 accused to pay PKR 10,000 to the witnesses for the inconveniences caused by adjournments.
The defence also requested that accounts of Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust and Namal University, Mianwali be unfrozen. The prosecution responded regretfully, stating that freezing Shaukat Khanum’s account became necessary due to the “irresponsible behaviour of the accused”.
Addressing the court briefly, Aleema Khan expressed confidence in the judicial process. After considering all arguments, the court accepted the defence request and adjourned further proceedings until December 1.
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