Islamabad, September 15, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Veteran journalists and civil society members in Pakistan have raised concern over the continued delay by the Islamabad High Court in deciding applications seeking suspension of the sentences of human rights lawyers Imaan Zainab-Mazari and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha.
The concern comes despite the Supreme Court’s May 12 direction to the Islamabad High Court to decide the matter within two weeks. The next hearing is scheduled for September 17.
In a statement, several prominent journalists and civil society members said the prolonged delay weakens protections relating to liberty, due process and fair trial guaranteed under Articles 4, 9 and 10-A of the Pakistan Constitution.
They also expressed concern over the impact of prolonged legal proceedings and continued incarceration pending appeal on members of the legal fraternity and human rights activists.
The lawyers were sentenced earlier this year by a sessions court in Islamabad to a combined 17 years in prison in a case linked to social media posts. Each was also fined 36 million Pakistani rupees on multiple charges.
The journalists and civil society members urged the Supreme Court to ensure that the suspension applications filed by Imaan and Hadi are heard and decided without further delay.
Separately, concerns have also been raised over Imaan’s health while she remains lodged at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.
On August 25, the Human Rights Council of Pakistan (HRC-Pakistan) described the condition of medical facilities in the women’s section of the prison as alarming after Imaan’s family said she had been suffering from a chest infection for about a week.
According to her family, a blood test showed a high white blood cell count indicating an infection, but a chest X-ray had not been conducted despite being required to determine the cause and rule out serious illnesses, including tuberculosis.
HRC-Pakistan called for an immediate chest X-ray and comprehensive medical assessment for Imaan, along with transfer to an appropriate hospital if necessary. It also sought improved access to specialist medical care, dental services, medicines and diagnostic facilities for women prisoners.
The rights body stressed that imprisonment does not deprive a person of the right to health and said Imaan and Hadi’s pending legal petitions should be dealt with through fair and timely judicial proceedings.
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