Pakistan: Lawyers Harassed by Authorities – Mazari & Chatta
- A pakistani court revoked the bail of lawyer Imaan Mazari-Hazir and activist Hadi Ali Chattha on January 16, 2026, and issued an immediate arrest warrant following their failure...
- Mazari-Hazir and Chattha were initially granted bail in connection with allegations of making unlawful statements on social media, specifically concerning the military. The case stems from posts made...
- The court's cancellation of bail and subsequent arrest order followed multiple non-appearances by both Mazari-Hazir and Chattha.Judge Raja Mumtaz Ahmed directed Islamabad's Deputy Inspector General (DIG) to execute...
Pakistani court Orders Arrest of Lawyer Imaan Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha
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A pakistani court revoked the bail of lawyer Imaan Mazari-Hazir and activist Hadi Ali Chattha on January 16, 2026, and issued an immediate arrest warrant following their failure to appear in court regarding a case related to social media posts. The decision has sparked tensions and raised concerns about freedom of expression and due process in Pakistan.
Background of the Case
Mazari-Hazir and Chattha were initially granted bail in connection with allegations of making unlawful statements on social media, specifically concerning the military. The case stems from posts made in February 2024,wich authorities deemed to be inciting unrest and damaging to national security. The Islamabad High Court had granted them bail on February 29, 2024, with conditions.
The court’s cancellation of bail and subsequent arrest order followed multiple non-appearances by both Mazari-Hazir and Chattha.Judge Raja Mumtaz Ahmed directed Islamabad’s Deputy Inspector General (DIG) to execute the arrest within 24 hours.
Details of the court Order
The court specifically cited the repeated absence of Mazari-Hazir and Chattha as a violation of the bail conditions. The order, issued on January 16, 2026, states that their failure to appear demonstrates a disregard for the judicial process. The DIG Islamabad was instructed to apprehend them and present them before the court.
According to reporting from Dawn, tensions escalated within the courtroom following the judge’s ruling. Lawyers representing Mazari-Hazir and Chattha protested the decision, arguing it was politically motivated and a suppression of dissent.
The specific charges against Mazari-Hazir and Chattha relate to Section 505 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), which deals with making statements conducing to public mischief, and Section 37 of the Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, concerning offences against the dignity of a natural person.
Reactions and Concerns
Human rights organizations and legal experts have expressed serious concerns over the court’s decision.Amnesty International released a statement on January 17, 2026, condemning the arrest order and calling for the immediate release of Mazari-Hazir and Chattha. They argue the case is part of a broader pattern of intimidation and harassment against human rights defenders and journalists in Pakistan.Amnesty International Statement
The Human Rights commission of Pakistan (HRCP) also voiced its concerns, stating that the case raises questions about the fairness and impartiality of the legal system. HRCP Press Release
mazari-Hazir is the daughter of former federal minister for human rights Shireen Mazari, who has been a vocal critic of the Pakistani military. Her arrest has further fueled speculation about political motivations behind the case.