Human rights lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir faced re-arrest just hours after an Islamabad anti-terrorism court approved her bail in a sedition case. The arrest occurred outside the Adiala Jail and was confirmed by the Islamabad police via social media platform X. They stated that she was detained due to a terrorism case registered at the Bara Kahu police station. A video recording also showed officials taking Imaan outside the jail in a police vehicle.
Background of the Case
Imaan and ex-lawmaker Ali Wazir were initially arrested days following a public gathering arranged by the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM). Both had spoken at the rally, and videos were distributed on social platforms where speakers criticized the military’s role in enforced disappearances. Wazir was taken into custody on August 19, and Imaan on August 20. The arrests led to the registering of two First Information Reports (FIR) at various police stations. Despite Imaan being granted post-arrest bail for rioting and dacoity on August 22, she was still held in police custody concerning the sedition case. An Islamabad ATC, on August 24, rejected the prosecution’s request for an extended physical remand for both and sent them to Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail.
Rally and Accusations
The initial FIR was filed upon the complaint of Tarnol Station House Officer (SHO) Mian Mohammad Imran, who detailed alleged violations by PTM during their rally. The report stated that the rally disrupted peace, moved from its designated location, blocked traffic, and confronted officials. SHO Imran reported that rally participants attacked the police, damaged official vehicles, shut shops, and confiscated anti-riot kits from officers.
A second FIR mentioned Imaan and PTM chief Manzoor Pashteen, among others, accusing them of speaking against state entities, promoting unrest, and attempting to spark a civil conflict. Interestingly, the sedition charge used in the FIR was previously declared invalid by the Lahore High Court. The protest had attracted up to 3,000 attendees, and both Imaan and Wazir spoke against the mistreatment of Pakhtuns and urged for the return of missing individuals. Imaan’s speech, circulated on social media, emphasized the plight of the locals against the backdrop of the Taliban’s resurgence.
