The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Islamabad on Friday granted bail to PTI founder Imran Khan’s sisters, Aleema Khan and Uzma Khanum, following their detention during a protest in the capital amid Section 144 restrictions.

Earlier this month, hundreds of PTI activists, including senior leaders and the two sisters, had gathered at multiple locations in the capital, defying heavy police blockades and road closures, while authorities dug trenches and placed iron nails on a stretch of the Islamabad-Peshawar motorway to prevent protesters from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from reaching the capital.

Despite the placing of hundreds of containers to secure entry points and key areas across the capital and the imposition of Section 144, demonstrators managed to converge at various sites, including the edge of the high-security Red Zone, at D-Chowk.

Section 144 is a legal provision that restricts gatherings of four or more people in an area to prevent public disorder or unrest.

Police rounded up over 100 PTI members, including Imran’s two sisters for allegedly instigating unrest and causing damage to public property.

Violent clashes between protesters and law enforcement officials were reported throughout the day, with several instances of stone-pelting and tear gas shelling being witnessed.

Following the incident, a case was registered against Aleema and Uzma under terrorism provisions in connection with D-Chowk violence by Kohsar police.

ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra had granted a one-day physical remand of the two sisters a day ago after they were taken into police custody.

Both sisters appeared before the court today after the completion of their physical remand. On October 10, the Islamabad ATC extended the duo’s physical remand for two more days.

Niazullah Niazi, Ansar Mahmood Kiyani and other lawyers appeared in court on behalf of Uzma and Aleema.

Prosecutor Raja Naveed opposed the bail plea, saying a megaphone was recovered from the suspects, who used it to incite chaos among the party workers. “There is a video of the suspects when they were arrested.”

Niazi retorted and questioned the prosecutor’s statement on the sisters inciting chaos.

“There is not a single video of them inciting chaos, they are just being made a target for political revenge,” Kayani said.

After hearing the arguments, the court granted bail to the two sisters for Rs20,000 each.

PTI confirmed the bail approval in a post on X, quoting leader Zartaj Gul as saying: “Alhamdulillah, Khan sahib’s two sisters have been granted bail, God willing my leader Imran will also be released.”

A case has also been registered at the Aabpara police station against the duo, but terrorism provisions are not included in this case. Bail has not been granted in the case, which was registered for alleged interference in the administration and other provisions.

Opinion

From hard to harder

From hard to harder

Instead of ‘hard state’ turning even harder, citizens deserve a state that goes soft on them in delivering democratic and development aspirations.

Editorial

Canal unrest
Updated 03 Apr, 2025

Canal unrest

With rising water scarcity in Indus system, it is crucial to move towards a consensus-driven policymaking process.
Iran-US tension
03 Apr, 2025

Iran-US tension

THE Trump administration’s threats aimed at Iran do not bode well for global peace, and unless Washington changes...
Flights to history
03 Apr, 2025

Flights to history

MOHENJODARO could have been the forgotten gold we desperately need. Instead, this 5,000-year-old well of antiquity ...
Eid amidst crises
Updated 31 Mar, 2025

Eid amidst crises

Until the Muslim world takes practical steps to end these atrocities, these besieged populations will see no joy.
Women’s rights
Updated 01 Apr, 2025

Women’s rights

Such judgements, and others directly impacting women’s rights should be given more airtime in media.
Not helping
Updated 02 Apr, 2025

Not helping

If it's committed to peace in Balochistan, the state must draw a line between militancy and legitimate protest.