Prominent PTI Figure Detained in Peshawar Cantonment
Pakistani social media activist Sanam Javed, known for her association with the opposition party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has been arrested from Peshawar Cantonment, according to party officials and journalists.
PTI spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram confirmed her detention, stating that Sanam was intercepted by two vehicles on a busy road before being forcibly taken away. “Sanam Javed was abducted a short while ago from a busy street in Peshawar. Her car was blocked by two vehicles, and she was dragged out in front of her friends,” Akram wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
The spokesperson described the incident as “an act of state intimidation,” claiming that authorities were targeting PTI workers and sympathizers across the country in an ongoing crackdown.
Journalists Confirm Reports of the Arrest
Prominent journalist Imran Riaz Khan also confirmed the incident, saying that Sanam was taken by “unknown individuals” from the Cantonment area. He reported that two Vigo vehicles were involved and that no police officials were present during the operation.
Local media reports suggested that Sanam was moved to an undisclosed location shortly after her detention. Neither the Peshawar police nor any government agency has officially commented on her whereabouts or the charges against her.
Unclear Charges and Ongoing Investigations
As of now, it remains unclear under what legal provisions Sanam Javed has been detained. However, according to Azad Urdu, a digital news outlet, law enforcement agencies may have taken her into custody in connection with violent incidents allegedly involving PTI supporters earlier this year.
Sources claim that Sanam faces “serious allegations” and is currently under investigation. No official charges have been filed publicly, and her legal representatives have not been given access to her.
Observers note that Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and provincial police have intensified their monitoring of online political activity, particularly targeting PTI’s digital teams following protests and unrest linked to the party in 2023 and 2024.
Political Background and Family Pressure
Sanam Javed is one of several PTI-affiliated women who gained recognition through social media for their outspoken defense of party founder Imran Khan, currently facing multiple legal cases.
Her sister, Falak Javed, was previously arrested and remains in jail under judicial remand. The Javed family has reportedly been under consistent legal and political pressure due to their involvement in PTI’s digital campaigns.
Supporters say Sanam’s detention represents a continuation of the state’s pressure on political dissenters, while critics argue that activists must also face accountability for spreading disinformation or inciting unrest.
Broader Crackdown on PTI Activists
The arrest comes amid a wider crackdown on PTI activists and leaders. Since the violent protests that erupted after Imran Khan’s arrest in May 2023, hundreds of party members have been detained under anti-terrorism and public disorder laws.
Human rights groups, including Amnesty International and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), have repeatedly urged authorities to respect due process and ensure transparency in such arrests.
Despite these calls, PTI claims that its members continue to face harassment, raids, and arbitrary detentions, both online and offline. The party maintains that it is being systematically silenced ahead of upcoming local elections.
Rising Concerns Over Digital Expression
Sanam Javed’s arrest has once again drawn attention to freedom of expression in Pakistan’s digital space. PTI’s social media network has played a major role in shaping public discourse and challenging mainstream narratives.
Analysts say the current environment reflects a shrinking space for dissent, particularly for politically active women. As pressure mounts, activists warn that such actions could further erode public trust in democratic institutions.
Uncertain Future
As of Tuesday evening, Sanam Javed’s location and legal status remain unknown. PTI officials have called for her immediate release and transparency in the investigation.
The incident underscores Pakistan’s tense political climate, where activism and dissent increasingly collide with state authority. Whether her arrest leads to formal charges or another cycle of temporary detentions remains to be seen.
