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| Prominent lawyer and human rights activist Imaan Mazari makes victory sign as she arrives at ATC in Islamabad on October 29, 2024. — Reporter |
Court Issues Arrest Warrants for Imaan Mazari and Husband in Controversial Tweet Case
Prominent lawyer and human rights activist Imaan Mazari makes victory sign as she arrives at ATC in Islamabad on October 29, 2024. — ReporterA district and sessions court in Islamabad on Monday issued non-bailable warrants for the arrest of lawyer and activist Imaan Mazari and her husband,...
A district and sessions court in Islamabad has issued non-bailable arrest warrants for prominent lawyer and human rights activist Imaan Mazari and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, in connection with alleged “anti-state” tweets. The warrants require that both be arrested and produced before the court on September 24.
Additional District & Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka denied a request by their legal team to cancel the warrants. Earlier summonses were served to both. The case is linked to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), under sections related to posting anti-state commentary on social media.
This order adds to Mazari’s past legal challenges: in August 2023, she was arrested along with former lawmaker Ali Wazir in a sedition case and later re-arrested over terrorism charges — eventually released on bail. In October 2024, both Imaan and Chatha were detained after allegations surfaced they removed roadblocks during the England cricket team’s visit, allegedly creating a security risk.
However, recent developments show a twist: the court later recalled or withdrew the arrest warrants when Imaan and her husband appeared in court. After their appearance, the bench annulled the warrants and adjourned further proceedings.
FAQs
Q: Who is Imaan Mazari?
A: Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir is a Pakistani human rights lawyer, known for outspoken advocacy and legal activism.
Q: Why were the arrest warrants issued?
A: They were issued in a case under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), alleging anti-state remarks made via social media.
Q: What was the court’s next move?
A: After Mazari and Chatha appeared before the court, the non-bailable warrants were withdrawn and proceedings were adjourned.
Q: Have they faced legal trouble before?
A: Yes — in 2023 she was arrested over sedition and later terrorism allegations; in 2024 both were detained over alleged interference with roadblocks.
Q: What’s next in the case?
A: The court has postponed further hearings. The defense has sought required documents under Section 161 of the Criminal Procedure Code to review statements recorded in the case.
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