An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Rawalpindi on Monday adjourned the hearing of the case registered against Aleema Khanum in connection with the November 26 protest until June 8 after proceedings involving prosecution witnesses and defense requests.
During the hearing, the defence counsel completed the cross-examination of the last prosecution witness, Inspector Khalil. With this, the cross-examination of all 18 prosecution witnesses presented by the prosecution was completed.
The defence lawyer, however, filed a written application seeking further cross-examination of two previously recorded prosecution witnesses. The request sought permission to cross-examine Director Monitoring PEMRA and NADRA official Nadir Khan, as well as Investigation Officer Raja Iftikhar.
The prosecution opposed the request, arguing that the matter had already been decided by the court.
Prosecutor Zaheer Shah told the court that a decision regarding the two witnesses had already been made and objected to reopening the matter. He maintained that the defense should submit a formal written request if it wished to pursue further cross-examination.
The court observed that it would examine the matter before issuing any ruling on the defense plea.
During the proceedings, Aleema Khanum remarked that a fair trial was her fundamental right while speaking with the prosecutor.
Following the arguments, Anti-Terrorism Court Judge Amjad Ali Shah adjourned further hearing of the case until June 8.