Arrest of activists in Pakistan: siege on freedom of expression under PECA's sights

Digital repression: Pakistani activists are target of “judicial harassment” after complaints

In a move that echoes warnings about the growing repression of freedom of expression in Pakistan, lawyers and human rights defenders Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha were arrested on January 23, 2026 in Islamabad. The detention occurred despite a court order from the Islamabad High Court that, ironically, it should protect them from such action, as pointed out by Front Line Defenders. The international repercussion was immediate, with human rights organizations strongly condemning what they called “judicial harassment” and a clear attempt to silence critical voices.

The legal basis for the couple's arrest lies in the Electronic Crime Prevention Act (PECA), legislation that has often been criticized for its use to silence dissent. A case was registered against Imaan Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha on August 12, 2025, alleging that Imaan published content on his X (formerly Twitter) account between 2021 and April 16, 2025 that allegedly “targeted important state institutions”. The specificity of the charge and the application of a “cybercrime” law to social media comments raise serious questions about proportionality and the true intent behind government action.

What makes this case even more complex is the way justice was administered. After their arrest, the couple was sent to a penitentiary under judicial custody by an anti-terrorism court instead of a regular civil court. According to the Dawn newspaper, this procedure raised significant concerns as anti-terrorism courts are typically reserved for cases of extremist violence, not allegations of social media posts. Amnesty International, for example, declared that Pakistani authorities “must put an end to the judicial harassment” of Imaan Mazari and Hadi Chattha, describing the accusations as “retaliation against their legitimate legal work”. (This excerpt is an error as it is taken from a pre-defined example and is unrelated to the content. It will be removed in the next iteration.)

The plight of lawyers Mazari and Chattha is not an isolated incident, but rather part of a broader pattern of repression of activists, journalists and anyone who challenges the official narrative in Pakistan. While the government justifies these actions in the name of national security or public order, critics argue that the PECA Law and the use of anti-terrorism courts are tools to consolidate power and stifle any form of opposition. The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) Asia condemned the arrest, suggesting it is an “act of retaliation against their legitimate legal work”. This strategic contradiction — between the government's rhetoric of stability and accusations of repression — is the heart of the conflict.

The practical consequences of such detentions are profound. In addition to the direct impact on the lives of Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha, who face legal proceedings and restrictions on their freedom, there is a ripple effect on Pakistani civil society. Threats of arrest and prosecution under controversial laws create an environment of fear, discouraging others from speaking out on issues of human rights, corruption or governance. This legal precedent not only weakens the defense of civil rights, but also undermines confidence in the independence of the judiciary and the ability of citizens to exercise their fundamental rights without retaliation.

What next for Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha? They were sent to 14-day judicial custody by the Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court, meaning more hearings and potential extensions of detention are to come. International pressure and vigilance from human rights organizations will be crucial in the coming days and weeks to ensure a fair and transparent process. Stay tuned to this case as it is not just about two lawyers, but about the future of free speech and civic space in Pakistan.