Sanam Javed, a dynamic activist and politician associated with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has been at the center of a legal and political maelstrom following her arrest on May 9, 2023. This article details her journey from arrest to eventual acquittal, examining the legal challenges she faced and the positive developments in her favour.
The session court has ordered the immediate release of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) activist Sanam Javed from jail. Magistrate Malik Imran delivered the ruling, accepting the plea from Javed’s lawyer for her discharge from the case.
Sanam Javed, who was apprehended by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) team in Gujranwala, faced charges under cybercrime laws. The accusations stemmed from a tweet posted on May 9, where she allegedly encouraged people to gather at the Corps Commander House.
Arrest and Initial Charges
Sanam Javed was arrested on May 9, 2023, during nationwide protests that erupted after PTI leader Imran Khan was detained on corruption charges. These protests, characterized by their intensity and widespread violence, saw PTI supporters clashing with law enforcement and vandalizing public and private properties. Sanam was implicated in multiple serious offenses, including arson attacks on military installations and police vehicles, particularly the attack on the Corps Commander House in Lahore and the torching of police vehicles in the Cantonment area.
Repeated Arrests and Bail Hearings
Throughout her legal ordeal, Sanam Javed experienced a series of arrests and releases. After being initially granted bail by the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore in a case involving arson at a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) office on January 29, 2024, she was immediately re-arrested on different charges related to the May 9 riots. This pattern of arrest and re-arrest underscored the intense scrutiny and pressure faced by PTI activists during this period.
In October 2023, after being granted bail in the Jinnah House attack case, she was re-arrested alongside other PTI women activists, including Afshan Tariq and Ashmiya Shuja, just as they were being released from Kot Lakhpat Jail. These arrests were part of a broader crackdown on PTI members involved in the May 9 protests, which the military and the government termed a “dark chapter” in the country’s history.
Election Challenges and Supreme Court Intervention
Amidst her legal battles, Sanam Javed announced her candidacy for the February 8, 2024, elections, aiming to contest from multiple constituencies in Lahore against high-profile opponents such as Maryam Nawaz and Ayaz Sadiq. Her nomination papers were initially rejected by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), a decision upheld by the Lahore High Court’s Appellate Tribunal. However, she successfully challenged this decision in the Supreme Court, which allowed her, along with other PTI leaders like Parvez Elahi and Shaukat Basra, to contest the elections.
Acquittal and Legal Vindication
The most significant turning point in Sanam’s legal journey came on July 24, 2024, when the Islamabad High Court (IHC) declared her latest arrest illegal, allowing her to move freely for the first time in over a year. This decision marked a significant legal victory for Sanam and highlighted the contentious nature of her repeated detentions.
Future Legal Challenges
Despite her acquittal, Sanam Javed faces ongoing legal challenges. The charges against her, including involvement in violent protests and attacks on military installations, remain severe. The authorities, particularly the military, have expressed their determination to prosecute those involved in the May 9 riots under stringent laws such as the Pakistan Army Act and the Official Secrets Act. This suggests that Sanam’s legal battles may not be over, and she could face further scrutiny and potential legal hurdles.
Sanam Javel’s journey from her arrest on May 9, 2023, to her eventual acquittal in July 2024, was fraught with numerous hardships. These challenges encompassed legal battles, repeated detentions, political obstacles, and personal struggles.
Legal Hardships
- Multiple Arrests and Re-Arrests: Sanam faced a cycle of arrests and re-arrests, reflecting the persistent legal pressures on her. Despite being granted bail multiple times, she was frequently detained again under different charges related to the May 9 riots. For instance, after being granted bail by the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore in January 2024, she was immediately re-arrested on different charges.
- Severe Charges: Sanam was charged with serious offenses, including arson at military installations and attacks on police vehicles. These charges carried significant legal and personal repercussions, as they fell under stringent laws like the Pakistan Army Act and the Official Secrets Act.
- Prolonged Detention: Sanam endured over a year of detention, during which she faced significant restrictions on her freedom and political activities. This prolonged period in custody highlighted the severe legal challenges she encountered.
Political Obstacles
- Election Campaign Challenges: Sanam’s attempts to run for office were met with substantial obstacles. Her nomination papers were initially rejected by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), a decision upheld by the Lahore High Court’s Appellate Tribunal. Although the Supreme Court later allowed her to contest the elections, these legal battles added significant strain to her political ambitions.
- Opposition and Intimidation: As a prominent PTI activist, Sanam faced opposition not only from political rivals but also from state institutions. The persistent arrests and legal actions against her can be seen as part of a broader strategy to undermine PTI’s political activities.
Personal Struggles
- Health and Well-being: Prolonged detention and the stress of ongoing legal battles likely had a toll on Sanam’s physical and mental health. The uncertainty of her legal status and the constant threat of re-arrest would have contributed to significant personal stress.
- Public Image and Stigma: Being repeatedly arrested and facing severe charges can affect an individual’s public image. Sanam had to navigate the stigma and negative perceptions that come with being a high-profile detainee.
Positive Developments
Despite these hardships, Sanam Javed also experienced notable positive developments:
- Legal Victories: The Islamabad High Court’s decision to declare her latest arrest illegal in July 2024 marked a significant legal victory, allowing her to move freely and resume her political activities.
- Political Resilience: Sanam’s determination to contest elections, despite numerous obstacles, showcased her resilience. The Supreme Court’s decision to allow her candidacy was a testament to her persistence and commitment to her political career.
- Support from PTI: Throughout her legal battles, Sanam received support from PTI and its leadership, reflecting her importance within the party and the broader political movement.
Sanam Javed’s journey underscores the intense challenges faced by political activists in Pakistan, highlighting issues of legal justice, political opposition, and personal resilience. Her story is a poignant example of the complexities and hardships involved in political activism within a turbulent political landscape.
Positive Developments and Political Resilience
Sanam Javed’s journey has not been without its victories. Her acquittal and the Supreme Court’s decision to allow her participation in the elections are notable triumphs. These developments have not only bolstered her political career but also underscored her resilience and determination in the face of significant adversity. Her case has drawn attention to broader issues within Pakistan’s legal and political systems, potentially paving the way for greater scrutiny and reform in how political activists are treated.
Supreme Court Declares PTI Eligible for Reserved Seats
Moreover, Supreme Court of Pakistan on Friday declared Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) eligible for seats reserved for women and minorities, dealing a major setback to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s ruling coalition.
Verdict Announced by 13-Member Bench
The verdict was announced by a 13-member bench of the top court, headed by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa. The decision declared the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) previous ruling null and void, terming it unconstitutional.
Court Rejects ECP and PHC Decisions
The Supreme Court annulled the decision of the Peshawar High Court (PHC) and declared the ECP’s decision, dated March 1, 2024, as ultra vires to the Constitution, without lawful authority, and of no legal effect.
PTI Celebrates Victory, Demands CEC Resignation
Reacting to the verdict, PTI members lauded the top court’s decision. PTI leaders demanded the immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Sikander Sultan Raja for “violating the Constitution of Pakistan”.
Law Minister Comments on Verdict
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar expressed difficulty in digesting the court’s decision, stating it seemed as if Articles 51 and 106 of the Constitution had been rewritten.
Conclusion
Sanam Javed’s experience from her arrest on May 9, 2023, to her eventual acquittal in July 2024, encapsulates a complex and multifaceted struggle against legal and political adversities. Her story highlights the intense pressures faced by political activists in Pakistan and underscores the importance of legal resilience and determination. While she continues to face significant challenges, the recent positive legal developments offer a hopeful outlook for her future endeavours in the political landscape of Pakistan.
