ISLAMABAD: Islamabad police arrested prominent human rights lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband, Advocate Hadi Ali Chattha, on Friday. They were arrested after an Anti-Terrorism Court in Islamabad dismissed their pre-arrest bail pleas.
The development drew attention from legal circles and civil society groups, who closely monitored the situation. Authorities moved swiftly following the court order, while supporters gathered outside legal premises to express concern over the arrests.
Arrest follows court ruling
The couple had sought refuge at the Islamabad High Court Bar office for the past two days. However, security officials arrived on Friday and took them away in separate vehicles. Moreover, officials transferred them to an undisclosed location, which created uncertainty among colleagues and family members.
Witnesses present at the scene said that officers did not present a formal First Information Report during the arrest process. As a result, several lawyers questioned the transparency of the action and demanded clarity from relevant authorities. Meanwhile, members of the legal community continued to discuss the case across professional forums and social platforms.
Charges filed under cybercrime law
Investigators linked the arrests to two separate legal matters. According to officials, the National Cybercrime Investigation Agency registered a case under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act. The agency accused the couple of using social media to incite linguistic divisions and to target state institutions.
Furthermore, authorities maintained that the allegations warranted legal action under existing cybercrime regulations. Supporters, however, argued that the accusations required independent scrutiny and due legal process.
The arrests have therefore intensified debate about freedom of expression, legal accountability, and the application of cybercrime laws in Pakistan. Observers expect further developments as courts review the matter and as official statements emerge in the coming days.
