New York, October 31, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Several international human rights organisations and activists on Saturday condemned the 10-year prison sentences imposed on Pakistani human rights lawyers Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, in a case related to an alleged security breach.
US-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) described the verdict as an escalation of the Pakistani government’s crackdown on civil society and called on authorities to quash the convictions, release the couple and end criminal proceedings intended to punish 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, HRW’s senior associate Asia director.
“Punishing lawyers and human rights activists for defending rights leaves those they represent without protection. Concerned governments should press Pakistan to end its crackdown on human rights advocacy,” she added.
The condemnation followed Thursday’s ruling by a Pakistani anti-terrorism court, which sentenced Imaan and Hadi to 10 years in prison each and imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh on each under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.
The case was registered at Islamabad’s Aabpara Police Station over allegations that the couple threatened national security by interfering in state affairs during an international cricket team’s visit to Pakistan in October 2024, according to Pakistani media reports.
The Baloch National Movement (BNM) also criticised the convictions, saying the verdict showed that people speaking out against repression, injustice and human rights violations in Pakistan, particularly those advocating for the rights of people in Balochistan, faced “state vengeance rather than” justice.
The BNM said Imaan and Hadi had supported Baloch political activists, victims of enforced disappearances and their families by providing legal assistance and amplifying their voices. It described the prison sentences as an attempt to silence those who opposed state repression.
The Baloch Women Forum (BWF) also denounced the verdict, calling it a serious attack on fundamental rights, freedom of expression and the principles of justice.
“The use of anti-terrorism laws to punish dissent and target human rights defenders is a deeply alarming abuse of the legal system that must not be tolerated,” the forum said.
It said Imaan had stood with oppressed communities, challenged alleged state excesses and raised her voice for people denied justice. Punishing her for human rights advocacy, it added, sent a chilling message to those who spoke against injustice.
“A system that imprisons those demanding justice while silencing dissent cannot claim to uphold the rule of law,” the BWF said.
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