During his weekly press briefing, FO spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said, “This judgment reflects the view of the judge. Pakistan does not subscribe to it. Moreover, such a designation does not exist under the UN or international law.” Therefore, Pakistan officially distances itself from the judge’s remarks.
Judge Majoka had stated, “Currently there are four countries designated as terrorist states: Cuba, the Democratic Republic of Korea, Iran, and Syria.” He also noted that Pakistan was not included on any such list. However, the United Nations does not maintain a list of “terrorist states.” Instead, the UN Security Council (UNSC) maintains a “Consolidated List” of individuals, groups, and entities under sanctions. Therefore, it does not designate any country in its entirety as a terrorist state.
Conviction and Sentences Under Peca
On January 24, the court convicted Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca). Specifically, the court found them guilty under sections 9 (glorification of an offence), 10 (cyberterrorism), and 26-A (false and fake information). As a result, the court sentenced them to a combined total of 17 years in prison. The longest term was 10 years. In addition, the court fined them Rs36 million each.
In his verdict, Judge Majoka said the couple had “intentionally in their tweets mentioned Pakistan as a terrorist state.” Consequently, this controversial remark about the four countries drew criticism and attention from national and international observers.
Concerns Raised Over Freedom of Expression
Meanwhile, the European Union’s Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Anouar El Anouni, criticized the convictions. He said on X that punishing Imaan and Hadi for social media activity “goes against freedom of expression and independence of lawyers.” Furthermore, he added that these rights are key democratic principles. They are also part of Pakistan’s international human rights obligations.
Earlier, the National Assembly’s Special Committee on Gender Mainstreaming, chaired by MNA Dr Nafisa Shah, warned that Peca’s vague provisions are often misused. Authorities sometimes apply them against civil society actors, journalists, and political parties.
The EU has also monitored Pakistan’s human rights record under the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) framework. In December 2025, officials discussed freedom of expression, media independence, and judicial safeguards. They emphasized the “importance of proportionality, appropriate safeguards, and continued dialogue” to resolve concerns.
Pakistan adopts GSP+ status, which requires it to comply with 27 international conventions on human rights, labor rights, good governance, and environmental protection. Furthermore, EU Ambassador Rajmundas Karoblis emphasized that Pakistan ‘needs to do more’ to fulfill its commitments. In October 2025, Pakistan won a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the 2026–2028 term, highlighting its global responsibilities.
