Two banks freeze Aleema’s 11 accounts on court order

RAWALPINDI. On the orders of the Special Court of Anti-Terrorism, Rawalpindi, two banks have frozen a total of 11 accounts of Aleema Khan, the sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former prime minister Imran Khan.

The frozen accounts include Aleema Khan’s personal accounts as well as trust accounts. According to a report submitted in the court on Monday, Standard Chartered Bank has frozen 10 accounts and Bank Al-Falah has frozen one account of Aleema.

The court also issued contempt of court notices to five banks -- Muslim Commercial Bank, United Bank, Habib Metro Bank, Faisal Bank and Bank Al Mukarramah -- for not implementing the orders and directed that all accounts operated by the accused be frozen. The court also issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Aleema Khan for the seventh time for non-compliance with the earlier arrest warrant.

Aleema and her lawyers did not appear in the court during the hearing of the case registered by Sadiqabad police station in connection with the November 26 protest of the PTI. Three accused appeared in the court in their personal capacity, while the lawyers of seven other accused were present during the hearing. Special Prosecutor Zaheer Shah was also present in the court.

A report regarding Aleema’s 30 bank accounts was submitted to the court, which included her personal accounts, trust accounts and various company accounts. However, despite the court order, the accounts of various companies including Namal University and Shaukat Khanum Hospital were not frozen. Later, the court adjourned the hearing till November 6.