Maps
Magazine

LEGAL

ATC Orders Unfreezing of Shaukat Khanum, Namal University Bank Accounts
Rawalpindi ATC directs authorities to unfreeze bank accounts of Shaukat Khanum Trust and Namal University, after confirming the freeze happened due to a CNIC-based mix-up linked to Aleema Khan. Her personal accounts, however, remain frozen.
MH
by Muhammad Hashir
2025-12-01
ATC Orders Unfreezing of Shaukat Khanum, Namal University Bank Accounts

A Rawalpindi anti-terrorism court on Monday ordered authorities to unfreeze the bank accounts of the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust (SKMT) and Namal University, concluding that the accounts were inadvertently blocked due to a procedural misunderstanding linked to the arrest warrant issued for PTI founder Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan.

The directive was issued by ATC Judge Amjad Hussain Shah while hearing a petition submitted by Aleema, who faces legal proceedings in a case related to protests that took place on November 26 last year. Representatives from SKMT were present during the hearing and argued for the restoration of the charitable organisation’s accounts.

During the proceedings, prosecutor Zaheer Shah made it clear that the prosecution had never requested the freezing of bank accounts belonging to SKMT or Namal University. He emphasised that no court order existed instructing authorities to take such action.

According to the prosecutor, the issue arose after the State Bank of Pakistan conducted a data search using Aleema’s CNIC in response to an order referencing her identity card number. During this search, the accounts of SKMT and Namal University appeared in the results and were mistakenly frozen.

The prosecution told the court that it had no objection to the unfreezing of the institutions’ accounts. However, it maintained that Aleema’s personal and business accounts—frozen under the same directive—should remain blocked.

After hearing all arguments, the court ordered immediate restoration of the bank accounts belonging to SKMT and Namal University, while upholding the freeze on Aleema’s personal accounts.

Public Concern Over SKMT Account Freeze

The freezing of SKMT’s accounts had triggered widespread public criticism, with many expressing concern that the move could disrupt the treatment of thousands of cancer patients. SKMT operates major cancer treatment facilities in Lahore and Peshawar, with a third hospital currently under construction in Karachi. The organisation provides free or subsidised treatment to a majority of its patients.

In a statement earlier, SKMT had assured the public that it was working to have the accounts restored and that the supply of medicines and treatment for patients—75% of whom receive free care—would continue without interruption.

Some social media users had linked the freezing of accounts to the ATC case and criticised the court for allegedly withholding suspension of the freeze order despite being informed of the hospitals’ challenges. Similar claims were made regarding Namal University, where Aleema serves as a board member.

Background: November 26 Protest Case

The case in question stems from allegations under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) following large-scale protests led by PTI on November 26 last year. Over 10,000 PTI supporters had entered Islamabad in defiance of restrictions, leading to clashes with approximately 20,000 deployed security personnel in the Red Zone.

Following a day of violent confrontation, PTI leadership abruptly called off its planned sit-in. Multiple cases were later registered under the ATA and Pakistan Penal Code, including at the Taxila, Sadiqabad, and Naseerabad police stations.

Aleema Khan and 10 others were nominated in the case registered at the Sadiqabad police station, leading to the administrative mix-up that resulted in the mistaken freezing of charitable and educational institution accounts.
Tagged:

AleemaKhan

RawalpindiATC

ShaukatKhanum

NamalUniversity
Share News: