Sanam Javed: The Fearless Voice of PTI’s Resistance

Sanam Javed Khan, a prominent Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) activist and social media influencer, has emerged as a powerful symbol of resistance in Pakistan’s volatile political landscape. Known for her fiery rhetoric and unyielding support for PTI founder Imran Khan, Sanam has faced relentless legal battles, multiple arrests, and over 14 months of incarceration, yet remains a vocal advocate for the party’s vision of “Haqeeqi Azadi” (real freedom). This blog post delves into her background, her role in PTI, and her ongoing struggle against what she and her supporters call politically motivated persecution.

Early Life and Background

Sanam Javed Khan, a Lahore native, is a digital content creator and social media influencer who gained prominence through her passionate support for PTI and Imran Khan. Married to Professor Attique Khan, with whom she has a son and a daughter, Sanam’s personal life has been overshadowed by her public activism. She first caught widespread attention during a PTI rally, where her bold interview showcased her courage and conviction, earning her admiration among netizens and PTI supporters. Her background as a guest presenter and reality TV participant also contributed to her visibility, but it is her political activism that has defined her public persona.

Rise to Prominence in PTI

Sanam’s rise within PTI was fueled by her outspoken presence on social media, particularly on X, where she rallied supporters and criticized the government. Her activism intensified following Imran Khan’s arrest on May 9, 2023, in the Al-Qadir Trust case, which sparked nationwide protests. Sanam was accused of inciting violence during these protests, including allegedly encouraging attacks on Jinnah House (the Corps Commander’s residence in Lahore) via a tweet on May 9, 2023. This led to her first arrest and a series of legal cases, including charges of arson, assaulting police officers, and possessing petrol bombs during a police operation at Khan’s Zaman Park residence.

Despite these allegations, Sanam’s supporters argue that her actions were expressions of free speech and political dissent. Her defiance, exemplified by her statement, “People leave PTI after coming out of prison, I will be the first woman to join PTI after coming out of prison,” resonated with PTI’s base, positioning her as a fearless leader. In December 2023, she announced her candidacy for the 2024 general elections from PP-150 in Lahore, challenging PML-N’s Maryam Nawaz, though she later withdrew from NA-119 in favor of another PTI-backed candidate.

Legal Battles and Incarceration

Sanam’s journey has been marked by a cycle of arrests and releases, often described by PTI as a deliberate campaign of harassment. Since her initial arrest on May 9, 2023, she faced over a dozen cases, including those related to the May 9 riots and a Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) cybercrime case for allegedly defaming state institutions. She was repeatedly rearrested moments after securing bail, a pattern that drew condemnation from PTI and human rights advocates. For instance, on July 14, 2024, she was released by an Islamabad court in an FIA case, only to be rearrested by Islamabad police hours later. Similarly, after her release from Kot Lakhpat Jail on July 2, 2025, following a Lahore High Court (LHC) order, she faced further legal challenges.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on July 18, 2024, declared her arrest “illegal” and barred further arrests in existing cases, allowing her to return to Punjab. Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb cautioned her to avoid “unnecessary rhetoric,” a condition her lawyer, Mian Ali Ashfaq, accepted on her behalf. Despite this, Sanam and her husband, Professor Attique, were arrested again on April 27, 2025, near Kot Lakhpat Jail after a court hearing related to the May 9 cases. The LHC granted her protective bail until August 29, 2024, but her legal troubles persisted, with a recent bail granted on July 1, 2025, in another FIA case requiring Rs500,000 in surety bonds.

Public Perception and Controversies

Sanam Javed is a polarizing figure. To PTI supporters, she is a brave young woman challenging a repressive system, with posts on X praising her as “vocal, brave, and a challenge” to the establishment. Her willingness to endure prolonged detention—over 14 months in various jails—has made her a folk hero among Khan’s followers. However, critics, including government authorities, accuse her of inciting violence and destabilizing law and order. Her social media activity, particularly posts deemed provocative, has fueled legal actions, with the FIA citing a May 9, 2023, tweet as evidence of incitement. The repeated arrests have sparked debates about the state’s treatment of political activists, with PTI claiming they are “politically motivated cases” aimed at silencing dissent.

Sanam’s brief electoral run in 2024, particularly her challenge to Maryam Nawaz, highlighted her ambition but also drew scrutiny. Her withdrawal from NA-119 was seen by some as a strategic move to unify PTI’s vote but by others as a sign of the pressures she faced. Her outspoken nature has occasionally stirred internal party tensions, as seen in a July 2025 exchange where PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja criticized her for a post about a party event, though Senator Ali Zafar defended her.

Current Status and Legacy

As of July 2025, Sanam Javed’s status remains fluid, with ongoing legal proceedings and the constant threat of rearrest. Her release from Kot Lakhpat Jail on July 2, 2025, was a moment of triumph for PTI, with supporters showering her with rose petals. Yet, her history of rearrests underscores the challenges faced by PTI activists. Sanam’s resilience, coupled with her ability to galvanize supporters, has cemented her as a key figure in PTI’s fight for Imran Khan’s release and broader democratic reforms.

Sanam Javed’s story is one of courage, sacrifice, and controversy. As a young woman in a male-dominated political sphere, she represents a new generation of PTI activists unafraid to confront authority. Her legacy, as noted in an X post, may inspire “books written about her courage,” ensuring her place in Pakistan’s ongoing struggle for justice and freedom.

Disclaimer: This blog post is based on publicly available information from web sources and social media posts. Allegations of politically motivated arrests and mistreatment in custody remain unverified and should be treated as inconclusive.