ISLAMABAD: A tense encounter unfolded in the Rawalpindi anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Saturday between Aleema Khanum, sister of PTI founder Imran Khan, and former party MNA Kanwal Shauzab, following the circulation of a video in which Shauzab allegedly criticised Aleema.
In the viral video, Shauzab appears to accuse Aleema of disrespecting party office-bearers, including PTI’s interim chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan. She is reportedly heard saying that Aleema’s actions were damaging the party and even stated her intent to confront her directly.
That confrontation occurred when Shauzab approached Aleema in court, saying she wanted to speak with her. Aleema responded dismissively: “Just leave it. What you said was right. Many people speak against us. We’re used to it now.”
Shauzab attempted to explain herself, saying she wanted to clarify the matter, but Aleema rebuffed her again, replying, “I am not angry with you, [now] go.”
Shauzab tried to defend herself by stating, “A specific part of an old video of mine was used against me.” Aleema replied that criticism wasn’t new to her, pointing out that members of other parties, including PML-N, had also spoken against her—before walking away and ignoring further interaction.
Court Denies Aleema’s Travel Request
In a separate development the same day, ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah dismissed Aleema Khanum’s request for exemption from court appearances to allow her to travel abroad.
Speaking to reporters outside the court, Aleema claimed that a wave of fresh cases was being filed against her deliberately to restrict her movement.
“I’ve been appearing in courts for the past week because of new cases every day,” she said. “Why is my going abroad causing fear, and to whom?”
Aleema further alleged that she is facing 50 to 60 legal cases simply for conveying messages from her brother, Imran Khan, to the public.
