RAWALPINDI: An anti-terrorism court on Thursday sentenced human rights lawyers Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha to 10 years in prison each in a case involving a cricket team’s security route.
Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra announced the verdict following their trial inside Adiala Jail. Alongside the terrorism sentence, the court imposed separate one-year and two-year terms for obstructing and assaulting public servants. All prison terms will run concurrently.
The court also acquitted the couple on four charges concerning aggravated criminal intimidation, criminal conspiracy, armed rioting and liability as members of an unlawful assembly.
Their counsel, Zainab Janjua, announced plans to appeal. “We will challenge the decision,” she told Arab News.
The case arose from an October 25, 2024 confrontation near Islamabad’s Zero Point, where police had placed barriers for security arrangements connected to England’s cricket team. It was registered at Aabpara Police Station.
Prosecutors accused the couple of removing barriers, obstructing officers and assaulting police personnel. The court found them guilty of terrorism and offences involving interference with public servants.
However, Mazari-Hazir and Chattha denied the prosecution’s account, describing the allegations as fabricated.
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In her trial statement, Mazari-Hazir said she was travelling to court to represent a client when police stopped them. She disputed the justification for keeping the road closed and alleged that an officer threw an iron barrier at her, causing injury.
Chattha maintained that he acted to protect his wife. Both argued that the prosecution was linked to their human rights work and challenged the fairness of the jail proceedings.
A court-appointed defence lawyer cross-examined prosecution witnesses during the trial. The couple had also approached higher courts to challenge aspects of the proceedings before Thursday’s verdict.
This conviction is separate from their January 24 sentencing over social-media posts under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act. In that case, an Islamabad sessions court imposed prison terms totalling 17 years and fines of Rs36 million on each.
The Supreme Court suspended those sentences and granted bail on September 17, pending proceedings before the Islamabad High Court. That relief did not amount to an acquittal.
(With additional input from Reuters)
