The European Union (EU) has criticized Pakistan for convicting human rights lawyers Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chatta, emphasizing the importance of upholding freedom of expression and independence for lawyers. The EU spokesperson, Anouar El Anouni, expressed deep concerns over the situation, stating that such convictions contradict democratic principles and Pakistan’s international human rights obligations. In response, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry labeled the issue as a “domestic affair.”
The EU and Pakistan recently held the 15th EU-Pakistan Joint Commission meeting in Brussels to discuss various aspects of cooperation, including democracy, governance, human rights, trade, and investment. Pakistan, benefiting from the EU’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) arrangement, enjoys a significant trade relationship with the EU as its second-largest trading partner. However, the arrest and conviction of the two human rights lawyers have drawn widespread criticism globally.
Imaan and Hadi were arrested in Islamabad while en route to the district courts and subsequently indicted last year for alleged controversial social media posts. The Human Rights Commission (HRC) of Pakistan condemned the arrests, describing them as an attack on constitutional rights, civil liberties, and the professional independence of lawyers. The HRC demanded the immediate release of the lawyers and an end to all unjust proceedings against them.
Various groups, including journalists, parliamentarians, and human rights organizations, have strongly condemned the arrests, calling for justice and fair trial procedures for Imaan and Hadi. Opposition leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas highlighted the need to uphold the rule of law and fair trial principles, emphasizing the importance of respecting human rights advocates. Former senator Afrasiab Khattak also denounced the arrests, labeling them as an assault on human rights and the rule of law.
