A judge at the Anti-Terrorism Court in Rawalpindi left the courtroom after becoming upset over disruptions during the hearing of a case registered against Aleema Khan in connection with the November 26 protest.
During the hearing, prosecutor Zaheer Shah questioned Aleema Khan’s witness, Fatahullah Barki, about alleged properties owned by Aleema Khan abroad. Defence lawyer Faisal Malik objected, arguing that the questions were irrelevant to the case.
The prosecutor also questioned Aleema Khan about alleged properties in Dubai and New Jersey. Aleema Khan denied owning any illegal properties and said the properties in question had been described as benami properties.
When asked about a fine imposed in connection with the properties, Aleema Khan said that Rs294 million had been deposited, while the tribunal later cleared them.
Aleema Khan then requested the court to record her statement. When the court began recording it, the defence counsel raised an objection, leading to a heated exchange.
Judge Amjad Ali Shah expressed displeasure and questioned why the court should not record the statement if the accused herself wanted to make it.
As the disruption continued, the judge left his seat and walked out of the courtroom. The further hearing of the case was subsequently adjourned.
