A sessions court in Islamabad sentenced lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her spouse Hadi Ali Chattha to 17 years. The case involved controversial social media posts allegedly supporting banned militant groups. The ruling has sparked widespread condemnation from lawyers, activists, and politicians across Pakistan.
According to the court, Imaan “consistently shared offensive, misleading, and anti-state content on social media,” with Hadi’s “active connivance.” The order cited tweets between 2021 and 2025 portraying agendas of the banned BLA and TTP. Human rights defenders argue that the trial violated due process and lacked judicial fairness.
Read more: Arrested lawyers Imaan Mazari, Hadi boycott trial proceedings
Lawyers highlighted the legal flaws, saying the judge had no jurisdiction due to a pending transfer application. Activist Usama Khilji called the verdict “illegal, unconstitutional, and baseless.” Jibran Nasir said the trial was “a sham” that prejudiced the couple’s right to a fair hearing.
Political figures and civil society groups also condemned the decision. PTI leader Omar Ayub Khan said the ruling proved the legal system is “dead.” TTAP described the verdict as “a blot on democracy and justice,” while journalist Benazir Shah warned it weakened protections for vulnerable citizens.
Read more: Court sends Imaan Mazari, spouse to jail on judicial remand
Critics say the sentence sends a “clear message” discouraging citizens from questioning the state. Many warned that Pakistan’s judiciary faces moral and legal credibility challenges. The case continues to fuel debates on free speech, judicial independence, and human rights in Pakistan.