Pakistani Human Rights Lawyer Imaan Mazari Sentenced to Prison over cyber-terrorist remarks

A district court in Pakistan has handed down a lengthy prison sentence to human rights lawyer and activist Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband, fellow lawyer Hadi Ali Chattha, in a case tied to social media posts that authorities described as “anti-state.” 

Imaan Mazari is known for her work as a human rights lawyer, particularly on issues involving minorities, enforced disappearances, and state institutions, and she is the daughter of former human rights minister Shireen Mazari, which adds to the public profile of the case.

The Islamabad District and Sessions Court, presided over by Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka, convicted the couple under multiple provisions of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, including glorification of an offence, cyberterrorism and dissemination of false information. They were sentenced to a combined 17 years’ imprisonment each.

December 5, 2025 - Imaan Mazari with her husband Hadi Ali Chattha, during a court hearing in Islamabad.

Mazari’s activism and public commentary did not begin recently...

During the tenure of former prime minister Imran Khan, she made comparable and at times equally harsh statements criticising the military, law enforcement agencies, and the state’s handling of human rights issues. Those remarks hwoever, many of which remain publicly accessible, did not result in criminal convictions or long-term incarceration at the time.

Mazari’s conviction comes amid increased use of cybercrime and security-related laws against journalists, activists, and political workers.

If speech is only protected when it’s politically convenient, then no one’s rights are secure. The real issue isn’t just why Imaan Mazari is in jail; it’s why the same words were acceptable yesterday but punishable today.

Noor Munawar