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Five United Nations special rapporteurs have raised serious concerns about the ongoing criminal proceedings against two prominent human rights lawyers, Iman Zainab Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha, in Pakistan. They warned that the charges filed against these lawyers could be used as a tool to suppress legal advocacy and restrict freedom of expression in the country. The UN experts emphasized that such actions may undermine the fundamental rights to defend human rights and participate in public discourse.
In a formal communication addressed to the Government of Pakistan, the UN experts expressed their alarm over the convictions of Mazari and Chattha under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016. The signatories include special rapporteurs responsible for the independence of judges and lawyers, freedom of expression, the rights to peaceful assembly and association, the situation of human rights defenders, and the protection of human rights while countering terrorism.
On 24 January 2026, the two lawyers received a combined sentence of 17 years’ imprisonment under various sections of the PECA law. The most severe sentence was a 10-year term for “cyber terrorism,” and each lawyer was also fined 36 million Pakistani rupees. These penalties followed their alleged involvement in statements and activities deemed criminal under broad and ambiguous definitions within the legislation.
The UN experts expressed particular concern about the definition of “cyber terrorism” in the legislation, noting that it appears overly broad and open to interpretation. They stated that this provision has been applied to statements related to critical commentary on public affairs and human rights issues, raising fears that legitimate expression may be criminalized under such vague terms.
According to the communication, since 2022, at least ten First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered against Mazari, but none of these cases have resulted in convictions. These FIRs include allegations related to protests against enforced disappearances, criticism of military leadership, and arrests under the Anti-Terrorism Act, highlighting a pattern of targeting her activism and speech.
The UN rapporteurs voiced their concern that these legal actions may be motivated by the lawyers’ professional work and advocacy efforts. They indicated that the charges and proceedings seem to be aimed at silencing human rights defenders, rather than addressing any genuine criminal conduct.
The communication also detailed procedural irregularities observed during the trial process. These included claims that the defendants were not properly notified of FIRs, lacked access to essential documents, and that non-bailable warrants were issued against them. Testimonies were reportedly recorded in the absence of the accused and their legal representatives, raising doubts about the fairness of the proceedings. The Islamabad High Court had also reportedly expressed reservations regarding certain aspects of the trial.
The UN experts underscored that these developments violate international human rights standards, particularly provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. They emphasized that linking freedom of expression with terrorism charges could criminalize the legitimate work of human rights defenders, and called on Pakistan to undertake reforms to ensure the PECA legislation complies with international norms.
Finally, the communication highlighted that this letter marks the seventeenth formal correspondence sent to Pakistan in 2025 concerning concerns over pressure on lawyers, journalists, and civil society actors. The UN experts urged the Pakistani authorities to address these violations, ensure fair trial guarantees, and revise the relevant legislation to protect fundamental freedoms and human rights better.
