Human Rights Lawyer Imaan Mazari Arrested for Alleged State Interference

Islamabad, August 20, 2023 — In a pre-dawn operation on Sunday, Islamabad Police apprehended prominent human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari from her residence. She was taken into custody by the Tarnol Police Station, charged with alleged interference in state affairs, orchestrating a sit-in, and resisting authorities.

Imaan Mazari's mother, Shireen Mazari, a former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader, labeled the arrest as an "abduction." Speaking to journalists at the Islamabad district court, Shireen Mazari revealed that plainclothes personnel forcefully entered their home after restraining their guard, resulting in a tense altercation. The house was searched, personal belongings were confiscated, and Imaan was taken away without proper legal procedure or warrants.

The incident prompted widespread condemnation from various quarters. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan criticized the police's actions, describing them as "unacceptable" and emblematic of an alarming trend of state-sanctioned violence against individuals exercising their right to freedom of expression and assembly.

Imaan's arrest follows that of Ali Wazir, a former member of the national assembly from South Waziristan, who faced similar charges of meddling in state matters. The circumstances surrounding these arrests have raised concerns about the protection of civil liberties and the rule of law.

The Islamabad Police, via their social media channel, stated that both individuals were subjects of ongoing investigations, and any actions taken were in accordance with the law. As public scrutiny intensifies, calls for Imaan's immediate and unconditional release grow louder, amplifying discussions around individual rights and government overreach.

Socail Media Point Youtube Channel

Blog Topics