ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – A sessions court on Saturday sentenced lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, to a combined 17 years in prison in a case related to their social media activity.
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Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka, in a written order, said the prosecution had proven charges under Sections 9, 10 and 26-A of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca), which deal with glorification of offences, cyberterrorism and dissemination of false information.
Under Section 9, both were sentenced to five years’ rigorous imprisonment and fined Rs5 million each, with an additional year in jail in case of non-payment. For Section 10, the court awarded 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs30 million each, along with a further two years for default. Under Section 26-A, they were given two years’ imprisonment and fined Rs1 million each, with six months’ additional imprisonment for non-payment. The court ordered that all sentences run concurrently.
The Legal Implications of Imaan Mazari’s Case
The order noted that the couple appeared via video link from Adiala jail, where they were already in custody in another case. The judge directed that they remain in jail to serve their sentences.
The judgment referred to testimony from five prosecution witnesses, including officials from the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). The court said the social media posts and reposts in question praised or supported individuals and groups deemed proscribed, and that they undermined public trust in state institutions.
The judge rejected defence arguments that expressing views did not amount to an offence, stating that Peca defines glorification as any form of praise or celebration of banned individuals or organisations.
Rights groups and political figures criticised the verdict, raising concerns over due process and freedom of expression. Amnesty International and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan described the case as an attempt to suppress dissent.
Former human rights minister Shireen Mazari termed the decision illegal, citing a pending transfer application before the Islamabad High Court. In contrast, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar welcomed the ruling, calling it the first major outcome under Peca.
Government adviser Rana Sanaullah defended the trial process, saying the accused were given opportunities for cross-examination and that criticism of the government was permissible, but attacks on state institutions crossed a line.
The case stemmed from a complaint filed in August 2025 with the NCCIA, alleging that the couple’s online posts aligned with narratives of banned organisations and accused state institutions of involvement in terrorism and enforced disappearances.
