Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) activist Sanam Javed and her husband, Professor Atiq Riaz, were arrested by police near Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore on April 28, 2025, following a court hearing related to the May 9, 2023, unrest cases.
The couple was detained by a heavy police contingent with multiple vehicles and taken to an undisclosed location for further processing.
Sanam Javed has been a prominent figure in the legal proceedings stemming from the May 9 incidents, which involved violent protests and led to charges against several PTI members. Authorities have not yet disclosed the specific charges against Javed and Atiq, leaving the reasons for their arrest unclear. The timing of the detention, post-hearing, has drawn attention due to Javed’s high-profile activism within PTI.
At a time when Pakistan faces constant threats from India, this illegitimate regime has chosen to focus its energy on arresting and targeting women for their political beliefs.
It is a deeply shameful and disgraceful display of priorities, one that exposes their utter disregard… https://t.co/CLJavt6aTZ
— PTI (@PTIofficial) April 28, 2025PTI’s official X account condemned the arrests, calling them a “shameful” focus on targeting women for political beliefs amid national security concerns. The statement reflects ongoing tensions between PTI and the government, with supporters rallying for Javed’s release, as seen in posts on X. However, these claims remain unverified and represent party sentiment rather than confirmed facts.
The arrests add to the contentious political climate in Pakistan, with PTI facing multiple legal challenges.
