LAHORE: An anti-terrorism court on Saturday reserved its verdict on a post-arrest bail petition of PTI social media activist Sanam Javed in a case of torching PML-N office in Model Town during the May 9 riots.

Advocate Shakil Pasha appeared on behalf of the petitioner and argued that the police arrested his client in the case six months after her arrest in other cases. He said the police acted with a mala fide intention as it implicated the petitioner in the case only to frustrate her release on bail in the cases already registered against her.

The lawyer argued that the petitioner was not even present on the alleged occurrence. He asked the court to release the petitioner on bail.

Deputy Prosecutor Abdul Jabbar Dogar opposed the bail petition saying the suspect and other workers of the PTI attacked public and private property on May 9 in an organised manner. He said the suspect also provoked and incited the public to resort to violence against the state.

He said a challan (investigation report) had been filed in the court and the trial would be concluded soon.

After hearing the arguments from both sides, Judge Arshad Javed Chadhar reserved the verdict on the bail petition.

Sanam Javed had been granted bail in five cases against her, including an attack on the Jinnah House. She was also detained under the prevention detention for 30 days.

Separately, another ATC adjourned the hearing of post-arrest bail petitions by 184 suspects in the Jinnah House attack case.

The lawyers for 122 suspects concluded their arguments.

The court will resume hearing on remaining petitions on Jan 29.

Published in Dawn, January 28th, 2024