ISLAMABAD: An anti-terrorism court in Rawalpindi on Monday ordered the defreezing of bank accounts belonging to the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust and Namal University. The decision came during a hearing of a case involving Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan. ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah issued the directive after the prosecution stated it had no objection to restoring access to the affected accounts. The order followed detailed arguments presented by both the defence and the prosecution.
State Bank Froze All Accounts Linked to CNIC
During the proceedings, Prosecutor Zaheer Shah informed the court that Aleema’s CNIC number had been sent to the State Bank for freezing her personal accounts. However, the State Bank suspended all accounts registered under the same CNIC. This action included institutional accounts held by the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust and Namal University. The prosecution admitted that the two institutions were not the intended targets of the freeze order. After reviewing the case, the court directed authorities to unfreeze four accounts of the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust and all accounts belonging to Namal University.
SKMT Reassures Public Amid Recent Concerns
The development came only days after the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust issued a public statement addressing concerns regarding disruptions to its banking operations. In its message, the Trust said the vast majority of its accounts remained operational despite limited restrictions. It confirmed that patient care services continued without any interruption. The Trust expressed gratitude for the public’s continuous support and highlighted its commitment to treating over 75 percent of its cancer patients free of cost.
Charity Continues Expanding Cancer Care Network
The Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust operates under the Societies Registration Act of 1860. The organisation was founded by Imran Khan and has grown into one of Pakistan’s largest charitable healthcare networks. It currently runs major cancer hospitals in Lahore and Peshawar. A third hospital is under construction in Karachi as part of its nationwide expansion plan. The Trust reiterated its mission to provide advanced cancer treatment to patients who cannot afford care.
