Court Diary
The Islamabad High Court has ordered that PTI leader Sanam Javed not be arrested until Thursday.
Sanam Javed is well-known to anyone who uses modern social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. She is recognized as an enthusiastic and active supporter of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), especially on X (formerly Twitter). Sanam Javed, along with other central PTI leaders, was arrested on allegations of involvement in the events of May 9. This incident occurred following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan in the Al-Qadir Trust case in Islamabad, leading to nationwide protests by PTI. During these protests, military, civil, and private installations in Lahore were set on fire, public and private properties were severely damaged, and several people were killed or injured.
Subsequently, 1,900 individuals involved in clashes, vandalism, and arson across the country were arrested. Cases were also filed against Imran Khan and his party leaders and workers.
On May 15, 2024, Sanam Javed was brought to the Islamabad High Court under a court order. There were strict security measures in place, with male and female security personnel stationed outside the courtroom.
Sanam Javed was brought to the courtroom, where she met with her family and lawyers. During this time, the IG Islamabad and FIA officials were also present in the courtroom. The hearing began at the request of Sanam Javed’s father, with Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb presiding. Sanam Javed’s father’s lawyer, Barrister Mian Ali Ashfaq, appeared before the court.
The lawyer argued that Sanam Javed had repeatedly asked the Islamabad Police but found no FIR against her. Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb inquired whether she was taken into custody. Lawyer Mian Ali Ashfaq responded that she was indeed taken into custody outside his office.
The Advocate General Islamabad stated that the Balochistan Police had requested Sanam Javed’s transit remand. The court ordered the complete record of the past year against Sanam Javed and prevented her arrest until Thursday, allowing her to go home.
Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb instructed Lawyer Mian Ali Ashfaq that if Sanam Javed utters a single word during this period, the court will revoke its order. Sanam Javed is to go home and remain silent.
Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb commended the police for presenting Sanam Javed in court and stated that a decision would be made during working days.
Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb said that no one would arrest Sanam Javed until Thursday, and she cannot leave Islamabad until then.
The court ordered Sanam Javed’s parents to ensure that she does not make any statements, and adjourned the case until Thursday. It should be noted that Tuesday and Wednesday are public holidays in Pakistan on the occasion of Ashura during Muharram.
