The Islamabad High Court (IHC) granted bail to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) activist Sanam Javed, barring her arrest in any case until Thursday. The IHC judge, Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb, issued this decision, preventing the Islamabad Police from taking any action against Sanam and restricting her from leaving Islamabad. Her lawyer, Mian Ali Ashfaq, expressed relief on social media, sharing a moment of joy with Sanam and her family. This court order is a significant reprieve for Sanam, who has faced repeated arrests and legal battles over the past weeks.
This development came shortly after the Islamabad Police had rearrested Sanam following her release by an Islamabad court. Despite being granted bail in all cases registered against her in Lahore, Sanam was rearrested immediately upon stepping out of the Central Jail in Gujranwala, highlighting the intense legal scrutiny and challenges she faces.
Court Orders and Conditions
The IHC’s decision to bar further arrests until July 18 followed a petition filed by Sanam’s father, challenging her repeated detentions. The court warned that any controversial statements by Sanam could lead to a withdrawal of the protective order. This period of conditional freedom is critical for Sanam, offering her a temporary respite from the relentless legal actions she has been subjected to.
Representing Sanam, lawyer Mian Ali Ashfaq stood firm in the courtroom, while officials from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and Balochistan Police, along with Islamabad Police IG Ali Nasir Rizvi, attended the hearing. The Advocate General of Islamabad informed the court about Balochistan Police’s request for a transit remand to transfer Sanam, which underscores the broad geographical and jurisdictional reach of the cases against her.
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Sanam Javed’s legal troubles began following the May 9 riots, with multiple cases being registered against her. The Lahore High Court had previously discharged her in a case related to the riots in Gujranwala. However, this discharge did not bring an end to her ordeals, as subsequent arrests have followed each release, demonstrating the persistent efforts of law enforcement agencies to keep her under scrutiny.
The High Court has now sought a comprehensive year-long record of all cases filed against Sanam. This directive reflects the court’s intent to thoroughly review the legal basis of the numerous charges against her, potentially setting a precedent for addressing the issue of repeated arrests and detentions without conclusive legal outcomes.
Legal Proceedings
The upcoming resumption of proceedings on Thursday will be crucial for Sanam Javed. Her legal team is preparing to challenge the validity and motivations behind the multiple cases and arrests. The high-profile nature of her case has drawn significant public and media attention, with many viewing her situation as a test of the legal system’s ability to uphold justice amidst political tensions.
Sanam’s case is not just about her individual freedom; it is also a reflection of the broader political and legal challenges faced by PTI activists in the current climate. The outcome of these proceedings could have far-reaching implications for the political landscape and the rule of law in Pakistan.
As Sanam Javed navigates this complex legal maze, her case continues to be a focal point for discussions on legal rights, political activism, and the judicial process in Pakistan. The Islamabad High Court’s protective order, while temporary, is a significant development in her ongoing battle for justice.