Human rights lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband Hadi Ali were arrested on Monday, according to Islamabad police.
In a statement on X, Islamabad police explained, “Legal action has been taken in accordance with law and regulations. Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali were detained for allegedly creating a security risk by interfering with state duties during an international cricket team’s visit.”
Former human rights minister Shireen Mazari, Imaan’s mother, confirmed her daughter’s arrest earlier in the day. “Imaan Mazari has been arrested this morning. State fascism in full swing,” she stated on X. She also claimed that the police deliberately “swung a steel barrier” toward Imaan, causing injury, in an incident captured on video shared online.
A video circulating on social media appears to show Imaan and Hadi Ali moving road barriers to ease traffic flow, while traffic constables and another individual repeatedly replace the barriers. In the footage, one individual pushes the barrier toward Imaan, prompting Ali to push back.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) condemned the arrests, calling the charges “vague” and urging immediate release, highlighting that both are respected human rights defenders.
Former PTI MPA Taimur Saleem Jhagra also condemned the arrests, stating that voices like Imaan’s are critical for the oppressed in society and should be celebrated, not suppressed. He emphasized the need for solidarity in the struggle for justice and against arbitrary police action.
Veteran journalist Hamid Mir criticized the arrests, calling them “unacceptable” and warning that such actions may damage Pakistan’s reputation and the credibility of the state.
Mahrang Baloch of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee expressed solidarity, attributing Imaan’s targeting to her work against enforced disappearances and stating that her arrests reflect a troubling disregard for rule of law.
