The Human Rights Council of Pakistan (HRC-Pakistan) has called on the Pakistani government and relevant judicial authorities to protect the legal rights of human rights lawyers Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha without delay. The lawyers had filed a petition in Pakistan’s Supreme Court seeking an early hearing of their appeals against their conviction under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act.
Expressing concern over the prolonged delay in delivering justice to the lawyers, the rights body emphasized the importance of a fair trial and rule of law. The HRC highlighted that the delay in justice could lead to a denial of justice, urging the superior judiciary in Pakistan to promptly address the matter and ensure legal relief for the lawyers.
Imaan and Hadi, who were sentenced to a combined 17 years in prison and fined, have requested the Supreme Court to accept their appeals and suspend the sentence until the disposal of the criminal appeal pending before the Islamabad High Court. The arrest and conviction of these human rights lawyers have sparked global criticism for alleged violations of human rights.
