Islamabad, arrest of anti-blasphemy activist Imaan Mazari sparks strikes and protests

Lawyer and human rights activist Imaan Mazari was arrested along with her husband while on her way to court. Both are involved in a series of proceedings related to social media posts and demonstrations in front of judicial institutions. The arrest has sparked strikes by bar associations. Some observers speak of yet another worrying sign for the rule of law and freedom of expression in Pakistan.

Islamabad (AsiaNews) – The arrest of lawyer and human rights activist Imaan Mazari and her husband, lawyer Hadi Ali Chattha, has raised new alarms about the state of fundamental freedoms in Pakistan. The two were detained by police in Islamabad on Friday while on their way to court, in an operation that immediately provoked a reaction from bar associations and broad sectors of civil society.

The arrest is part of several pending legal proceedings. On the one hand, Mazari and Chattha were due to appear before a trial court in a case related to social media posts, for which their bail had been revoked earlier this month and arrest warrants had been issued, including under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act. On the other hand, the pair are involved in separate proceedings relating to protests and clashes that took place in recent days outside the headquarters of the Bar Association and near the Islamabad High Court, a case that has also been taken up by an anti-terrorism court. In the days leading up to their arrest, Mazari and Chattha had spent three consecutive nights in the offices of the president of the Islamabad High Court Bar Association, saying they feared imminent arrest.

The news of their detention sparked an immediate protest by the bar associations, which announced a strike in dissent. The arrests were also confirmed by Shireen Mazari, Imaan's mother and former federal minister, who denounced serious irregularities in a series of messages posted on X. “Fascism at its peak,” she wrote, sharing videos showing police officers chasing and intercepting the two lawyers' vehicle. Shireen Mazari said that no First Information Report was shown at the time of the arrest and that the couple was taken to locations that were not initially disclosed. She also denounced the use of force during the arrest and claimed that the two were brought before the Anti-Terrorism Court without being able to consult their lawyers in a timely manner.

A few hours before the arrest, speaking to a social media news channel, Imaan Mazari said she was not afraid of detention but demanded that the authorities act “strictly, in accordance with the Constitution and the law.” On Friday morning, she added that she was prepared to face even a long prison sentence, “even up to 14 years,” as long as she was guaranteed a fair trial. “Tell us what our crimes are,” she said, explaining that she had asked the court to disclose the charges. “We will not allow any violation of our constitutional rights.”

Speaking to AsiaNews, Samson Salamat, president of Rwadari Tehreek, harshly criticized what had happened. “Unfortunately, the leader of the blasphemy business, Rao Abdul Raheem, is free, while Imaan Mazari, the voice of the oppressed, is arrested,” he said. “In our country, the mastermind behind the Army Public School tragedy, in which 142 innocent students and teachers were killed, has escaped custody, while Professor Junaid Hafeez has been in prison for years on false charges of blasphemy.” Salamat also recalled the lynching of Mashal Khan and the attacks in Jaranwala, where “26 churches and hundreds of homes were burned and all the accused were released on bail.” “It is a shame for our country that only healthy voices like Imaan Mazari and other human rights activists have to face cruelty and threats,” he added.

Activist and writer Aslam Taseer also reacted harshly, calling the arrest “shameful.” “We strongly condemn the illegal and arbitrary arrest of the couple. This blatant abuse of power is an attack on justice, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law,” he said. “Those who raise their voices for human rights are sabotaged by the state: this is not a good sign for any democracy. Having different opinions and fighting legally for rights is not a crime.”

Saad Raja, a political analyst on social media, who spoke to AsiaNews, was of the same opinion. “Imaan Mazari is a lucid and powerful voice against unlawful blasphemy charges and for missing persons in Pakistan,” he said. “We should thank the state: by arresting her, it has given even more strength and visibility to her voice. Sooner or later she will be released, but now she will be heard and admired by many more people.” Raja added: “Imaan Mazari is a kind face of this country. She has never insulted anyone, she does not lead any armed organization, but she expresses political opinions, which is her right. She is fighting against accusations of blasphemy and has become a hope for 400 families who are direct victims of this system. She has no weapons: she fights for the Constitution and for justice in the country.”