An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad on Friday granted bail to Aleema Khan and Uzma Khan, the sisters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, in a case pertaining to their protests at D-Chowk ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit.
Judge Abul Hasanat Zulqarnain issued the order for their release against surety bonds of Rs. 20,000 each. Both sisters were taken into custody on Oct. 4, 2024 when they reached D-Chowk to protest for the release of their brother ahead of the SCO summit, when the federal capital was placed under stringent security to prevent any untoward incident. The federal government had imposed Section 144 in the city, barring any public gatherings or demonstrations.
Hundreds of PTI supporters and activists apart from Khan’s sisters were placed under arrest over the D-Chowk protests. Aleema and Uzma were accused of instigating unrest and causing damage to public property and a case registered against them under terrorism provisions by Kohsar police.
During Friday’s proceedings, the judge heard no arguments, and approved the bail plea of both sisters. Subsequently, the PTI’s lawyers departed the Judicial Complex and proceeded to jail with the court orders for sisters’ release. In the previous hearing, the bail plea was adjourned as the prosecution failed to submit records in the case.