Islamabad, May 2: The Human Rights Council of Pakistan (HRC-Pakistan) has called on the government and judicial authorities to ensure the immediate protection of the legal rights of human rights lawyers Iman Zainab Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha. The council warned that the prolonged delays in hearing their appeals could undermine their right to a fair trial and the rule of law.
This statement comes as Iman and her husband Hadi filed a petition in the Supreme Court of Pakistan on Thursday, seeking a swift hearing for their appeals against their sentences. The case is linked to charges under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) related to social media posts.
The rights organization expressed concern over the extraordinary delays in securing justice for both lawyers. The council noted that they have been vocal advocates for human rights violations and marginalized communities in Pakistan.
HRC-Pakistan stated, “It is regrettable that more than 100 days have passed since the sentencing, yet no bench has been constituted for the hearing, nor has there been any progress on their appeals. It is the state’s fundamental responsibility to ensure every citizen’s right to a fair trial under Article 10-A of the Constitution of Pakistan.”
The organization emphasized that such treatment of human rights activists not only raises questions about the rule of law but also demoralizes those working for human rights.
Describing the delay in justice as equivalent to denial of justice, the council urged Pakistan’s higher judiciary to take immediate notice of the case, establish a regular bench, and provide legal relief while fulfilling all conditions of justice.
In their application filed in the Supreme Court, Iman and Hadi have sought permission to appeal against the Islamabad High Court’s (IHC) order from February 17. In February, the IHC accepted their appeal against the trial court’s decision and issued a notice on the suspension petition but did not impose a stay on the sentence.
In the new petition, the lawyers have requested that the hearing of their appeals be scheduled for the week starting May 4.
The petitioners have urged the court to accept their appeal and impose a stay on the sentence given under the disputed ruling until the final disposal of the pending criminal appeal in the IHC.
In January, an Islamabad session court sentenced Iman and her husband Hadi to a total of 17 years in prison in a case linked to social media posts, along with a fine of 36 million Pakistani rupees.
The arrest and sentencing of both human rights lawyers have faced widespread criticism globally.
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