New Delhi, October 11 (Daily Kiran) : In New Delhi, the detainment of two Pakistani human rights lawyers, Iman Zainab Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha, has sparked significant concern among academics in the United States and the United Kingdom. These scholars, of Pakistani descent, are calling for the immediate release of the lawyers and the withdrawal of all charges against them.
The academics argue that this situation raises serious issues related to freedom of expression and the rule of law. In a statement supporting the two lawyers, they criticized the Pakistani establishment for allegedly plotting to keep them imprisoned despite a Supreme Court ruling that had granted them relief.
Reports indicate that in January 2026, both lawyers were sentenced to 17 years in prison under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) due to social media posts that criticized alleged human rights violations. However, on September 17, 2026, the Supreme Court suspended their sentences and granted them bail. Yet, within hours, the police detained them again on separate charges, and they remain in custody.
According to the Dawn newspaper, the academics noted that Mazari has been vocal against enforced disappearances, representing victims and their families, while Chattha has defended individuals facing blasphemy charges and those sentenced to death.
The statement emphasized, “Criminal law should not be used as a tool to silence dissenting voices or intimidate lawyers for their legal advocacy.” The signatories highlighted Pakistan’s obligation, as a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to protect the right to criticize state institutions.
Furthermore, the scholars argued that imposing a 17-year sentence for comments made on social media is inconsistent with Pakistan’s international responsibilities. They referenced the stance of international legal bodies, including the International Commission of Jurists.
The academics urged Pakistan’s federal government, judiciary, and other state institutions to adhere to their constitutional and international legal obligations. They called for assurances that the two lawyers would not be subjected to arbitrary detention in the future.
Prominent scholars who signed the statement include Ayesha Siddiqa from the School of Oriental and African Studies, Fahd Hamayun from Tufts University, Hashim Bin Rashid from the University of Pennsylvania, Maria Rashid from the University of Wolverhampton, Raza Rumi from the City University of New York, Reem Khursheed from University College London, Yunus Samad from the University of Bradford, and Joha Waseem from the University of Warwick.
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