An independent collective of 243 lawyers, academics, and civil society members in Pakistan has strongly condemned the re-arrest of human rights advocates Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha by Islamabad police on 17 September 2026 — mere hours after the Supreme Court of Pakistan suspended their 17-year sentences under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and ordered their release on bail.

What Happened

According to the collective's statement, the two lawyers had been held for nearly nine months following a trial the signatories described as marred by 'contraventions of constitutional and international fair trial and due process guarantees.' Their imminent release was blocked when authorities produced a separate, dormant First Information Report (FIR) registered on 22 March 2025, which the collective says was activated specifically to circumvent the Supreme Court's judicial order.

The FIR alleges that Imaan and Hadi chanted 'anti-government' slogans at a protest. Critically, according to the statement, 'no section of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) had been added' at the time of registration — charges under Section 7 of the ATA reportedly appear to have been inserted 'belatedly by hand,' raising serious questions about the integrity of the proceedings.

Amnesty International's Condemnation

Human rights organisation Amnesty International also condemned the re-arrest on Friday. Babu Ram Pant, Amnesty International's Deputy Regional Director for South Asia, said the re-arrest 'dispels any pretence that the charges against them are anything other than a politically motivated attempt to punish them for their human rights work.'

Pant further stated that the latest charges — brought for 'simply attending a peaceful protest' — are 'not only absurd but an insult to their lifelong commitment to human rights.' He called on Pakistani authorities to release Imaan and Hadi 'immediately and unconditionally, with no further charges to prolong their detention.'

Demands of the Collective

The 243-strong collective — comprising lawyers, academics, and civil society figures — outlined three key demands. First, that all charges and criminal proceedings against the two lawyers related to their 'legitimate professional activities and exercise of freedom of expression' be immediately dropped. Second, that their safety and due process rights be guaranteed, including protection from 'further arbitrary detention, ill-treatment, or intimidation.' Third, that all lawyers in Pakistan be allowed to perform their professional duties 'without fear of reprisals,' in line with international standards.

Broader Pattern of Concern

This case has drawn particular attention because the re-arrest came within hours of a Supreme Court order for release — a sequence critics argue represents a direct attempt by law enforcement to circumvent judicial authority. Notably, the use of dormant FIRs to override court-ordered bail is a pattern that rights groups say has been employed increasingly against dissenting voices in Pakistan. The PECA, under which the original 17-year sentences were handed down, has itself faced sustained criticism from press freedom and legal advocacy organisations as being used to silence critical voices.

With international pressure mounting and the Supreme Court's authority effectively challenged on the ground, the fate of Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha is likely to become a key test case for judicial independence and civil liberties in Pakistan.