Human rights lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, were rearrested hours after the Supreme Court suspended their sentences in a social media posts case.
The couple was taken into custody outside Adiala Jail on Thursday and later produced before an anti-terrorism court.
Rearrest Comes After Supreme Court Relief
Imaan Mazari and Hadi Chattha had been sentenced to 17 years on multiple charges under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca).
The Supreme Court later suspended their sentences and ordered their release on bail.
However, Islamabad police arrested the couple soon after they were released from Adiala Jail.
Police took them into custody in connection with a separate case registered in Islamabad.
The couple was subsequently produced before an anti-terrorism court, which sent them to jail on judicial remand.
Fresh Case Dates Back to 2025
The new case was registered at Islamabad’s Kohsar Police Station on March 22, 2025.
It was filed on the complaint of City Magistrate Ghulam Murtaza Chandio.
The FIR alleges that Imaan and Hadi participated in anti-government sloganeering and blocked roads.
Their rearrest has raised questions about the timing of the proceedings, coming immediately after the Supreme Court ordered their release.
Lawyers and Journalists React
Several lawyers, journalists and rights advocates criticised the development.
Lawyer Rida Hosain said the continued detention raised concerns about whether court orders were being allowed to take effect.
Digital rights advocate Usama Khilji also criticised the arrest, while journalist Baqir Sajjad Syed questioned why the Supreme Court’s relief had not resulted in the couple’s release.
Journalist Matiullah Jan questioned why the separate case had not been pursued alongside the earlier social media case.
Lawyer Reema Omer also criticised the decision, pointing to the couple’s transfer to judicial custody on the same day the Supreme Court suspended their Peca sentences.
Former diplomat Maleeha Lodhi described the development as “reprehensible”.
Other journalists and lawyers, including Absa Komal, Zebunnisa Burki and Abdul Moiz Jaferii, also expressed strong criticism.
Legal Proceedings Continue
The latest case is separate from the social media posts case in which the Supreme Court suspended the couple’s sentences.
The anti-terrorism court’s decision to place them on judicial remand means they will remain in custody while proceedings in the new case continue.
The development has intensified debate among lawyers, journalists and rights advocates over judicial relief, police action and the use of separate criminal cases following court orders.
