LAHORE: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Saturday secured custody of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf social media activist Sanam Javed from an anti-terrorism court following bail granted to her in a case related to violence during a February rally.

The FIA submitted a request before the anti-terrorism court seeking custody of the PTI activist.

ATC-I Judge Manzer Ali Gill heard the application.

The investigating officer stated that Sanam Javed’s arrest was required in an FIA case and that she needed to be presented before a judicial magistrate of the FIA Court.

The judge accepted the FIA’s request and handed Sanam over to the agency.

The judge noted that Sanam was already a nominated accused in the May 9 cases.

The judge also directed that the FIA must ensure her production in jail hearings during the trial of the May 9 cases.

Sanam Javed was already in jail in connection with the Feb 8 rally and the case involving anti-state slogans.

Earlier in the day, an anti-terrorism court granted bail to Sanam Javed in the February rally case and ordered her release.

The court approved Sanam’s bail against surety bonds worth Rs100,000 and directed that she be released once the bonds are submitted.

Her counsel Mian Ali Ashfaq argued before the court that Sanam was a political worker who was being targeted for political reasons. He argued that the case was initially registered in February, but terrorism charges were added by police after 80 days.

The lawyer pointed out that the charges in the case are bailable, and therefore, bail should be granted.

Sanam Javed is accused of blocking roads and chanting anti-state slogans during a PTI rally.

A case was registered against her and others at Islampura police station.

DOCTORS: An anti-terrorism court on Saturday confirmed the interim pre-arrest bail of four doctors and paramedics in a case related to alleged violence against police during a protest by the Grand Health Alliance (GHA).

ATC Judge Irfan Haider heard the bail petitions, during which the doctors personally appeared in the court on expiry of their interim bail period.

The judge confirmed the interim bail for Dr Salman Haseeb, Rafaqat Ali, Muhammad Imran and Muhammad Usman.

Racecourse police had registered the case against the doctors and others.

Published in Dawn, May 11th, 2025