LAHORE: The legal troubles for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) activist Falak Javed deepened on Monday as an anti-terrorism court handed her over to police on a 14-day physical remand in connection with the Zaman Park police attack case.
The order was issued by ATC-I Judge Manzer Ali Gill, who granted the request of Racecourse Police seeking custody of the activist for further interrogation. According to investigators, Falak’s remand is necessary to determine her alleged role in the violent clashes that erupted earlier this year outside the Lahore residence of former prime minister Imran Khan, where police had attempted to execute arrest warrants.
Her defense counsel, however, challenged the move, calling the arrest and remand “politically motivated and without legal merit.” The lawyer argued that Falak had already been remanded in separate cases, and her latest detention reflects a pattern of “targeted harassment” against PTI members.
The court directed police to submit a detailed progress report by October 27, marking the next hearing date. This latest development follows Falak’s judicial remand in two other cases — one involving alleged misuse of social media against state institutions and another concerning criticism of a provincial minister.
Police sources revealed that Falak had previously been interrogated inside jail premises under a special order from the same anti-terrorism court. The fresh remand now allows investigators to continue questioning her in custody.
Political analysts view the growing number of cases against PTI workers, including Falak, as part of an ongoing crackdown aimed at curbing political dissent following last year’s nationwide protests. The Zaman Park incident, which saw fierce clashes between police and party loyalists, remains one of the most sensitive flashpoints in Pakistan’s current political turbulence.
As the remand period unfolds, the focus will remain on whether authorities can substantiate their claims — or whether Falak’s case becomes another flashpoint in Pakistan’s increasingly polarized political landscape.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.