“When tweets become trials, democracy stands on trial.”
The arrest and sentencing of Pakistani human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari and her husband Advocate Hadi Ali Chattha has triggered nationwide outrage and renewed concerns over freedom of expression in Pakistan. The couple was sentenced to 17 years in prison under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) for social media posts deemed “anti-state.”
On January 23, 2026, Imaan Mazari and her husband were arrested in Islamabad while heading to a court hearing. Police intercepted their vehicle despite protests from senior lawyers. Bar leaders described the arrest as unlawful and accused authorities of obstructing legal proceedings.
The arrests followed the revocation of their interim bail by Additional District and Sessions Judge Afzal Majoka on January 16, after alleged non-appearances despite repeated summons.
Charges and Legal Case Under PECA
The case originated from a complaint filed on August 12, 2025 with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). Prosecutors alleged that the couple shared and amplified social media posts that:
Supported Baloch rights activists like Mahrang Baloch
Accused security forces of enforced disappearances
Aligned with narratives linked to banned groups such as the BLA and TTP
Authorities argued these posts damaged public trust in state institutions, particularly the military.
Court Verdict and Sentencing
On January 24, 2026, the court convicted both defendants after hearing testimony from five prosecution witnesses. Each was sentenced to:
17 years of imprisonment
Heavy fines reportedly totaling up to Rs30 million
The ruling emphasized that reposting and amplifying content was as harmful as creating it.
Reactions, Protests, and Bar Strike
Imaan’s mother, former PTI lawmaker Shireen Mazari, condemned the arrests as “fascism at its peak,” alleging police violence and the absence of a presented FIR.
In response, the Islamabad High Court Bar Association announced a strike, calling the arrests an attack on judicial independence.
Who Is Imaan Mazari? Activism Background
At just 32 years old, Imaan Mazari-Hazir has become one of Pakistan’s most visible human rights lawyers. She has represented cases involving:
Enforced disappearances in Balochistan
Blasphemy accusations
Ethnic and religious minorities
Journalists and Afghan deportees
Her activism has previously led to multiple arrests and FIRs, despite protective bail from higher courts.
Military’s Response and Allegations
In a January 2026 press briefing, military spokesperson Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry accused unnamed “hidden elements” of using human rights narratives to promote extremism, indirectly referencing Mazari’s online activity.
Why This Case Matters
The sentencing has reignited debate over Pakistan’s use of PECA laws to regulate online speech. Critics argue the case reflects a broader crackdown on dissent, while supporters claim it protects national security.
Despite imprisonment, Imaan Mazari has vowed to continue her fight for justice. Legal challenges in the Islamabad High Court are expected, but as of January 26, 2026, the couple remains on judicial remand.
