Islamabad, November 3, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
A Pakistani anti-terrorism court’s decision to sentence human rights lawyers Imaan Mazari-Hazir and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, to 10 years in prison each has drawn sharp criticism from rights groups, with a report alleging misuse of anti-terrorism legislation in the case.
The couple was convicted over an alleged security breach during an international cricket team’s visit to Islamabad in 2024. Prosecutors said they removed barriers placed along the route designated for the team’s security convoy and obstructed police personnel.
In a report published by Eurasia Review, retired Indian Army officer Nilesh Kunwar questioned the invocation of anti-terrorism legislation, noting that the court itself described the incident as a “very common nature (and) ordinary type of incident apparently of removal of a barrier”. The court, however, treated it as a major security breach because it occurred during the visit of an international cricket team and referred to the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore.
Kunwar described the verdict as a “fixed” judgment and questioned whether the alleged offence justified the sentences.
Pakistani journalist Asad Ali Toor said Mazari-Hazir had become a constant challenge for the state through her legal work for families of Baloch people allegedly subjected to enforced disappearances, human rights activist Mahrang Baloch and Afghan nationals facing harassment by Pakistani authorities.
The report also alleged that a social media campaign was launched to discredit her. In 2025, the World Expression Forum presented her with its Young Inspiration Award for her work in the struggle for the rule of law and justice. UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders Mary Lawlor had earlier criticised the cases against Mazari, saying they “appear to reflect an arbitrary use of the legal system to harass and intimidate.”
The US-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) called on Pakistani authorities to quash the convictions, release the couple and stop criminal proceedings aimed at punishing human rights advocates.
“Prosecuting two human rights lawyers for terrorism sends a chilling message to everyone who speaks up for fundamental rights in Pakistan. The authorities should quash the outrageous 10-year sentences handed down to Imaan Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha,” said Patricia Gossman, Senior Associate Asia Director at HRW.
The Baloch Women Forum also condemned the verdict, calling it an assault on fundamental rights and freedom of expression. It said the use of anti-terrorism laws against human rights defenders was an alarming abuse of the legal system and warned that the sentences sent a chilling message to those speaking against injustice.
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