Dozens of activists, lawyers, journalists, and civil society members staged a protest demonstration against the jail sentences handed down to rights activist and lawyer Imaan Mazari and her spouse Hadi Ali Chattha over anti-state statements by the trial court, rejecting their convictions as unlawful and demanding their immediate release.
The protest, called by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, the Karachi Union of Journalist and the Karachi Press Club, aimed to condemn the sentencing of the couple under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) and to express solidarity with the couple.
Police blocked roads leading to the KPC by placing containers and vehicles, causing hours- long traffic jams in Saddar, Burnes Road, II Chundrighr Road as traffic were diverted to adjacent roads.
Speaking at the protest, President Karachi Press Club, Fazil Jamili expressed concern over the administration’s tactics, terming Peca a “black law” that grossly violated freedom of expression. “We must stand united, as this law will boomerang in the future,” he warned.
Jamili said the restrictions imposed by authorities amounted to an attack on civil liberties. He criticised the decision to block access to the press club and prevent citizens from gathering to protest the sentencing of Mazari and Chattha.
Chairperson HRCP Asad Butt said, “Today, we stand united against the unjust sentencing of Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha. Peca is a draconian law that stifles dissent and restricts freedoms. We condemn the authorities’ attempt to silence us, but we will not be intimidated.”
He demanded the repeal of Peca and the release of Imaan and Hadi, saying, “The struggle for justice and freedom continues.” Senior journalist Mazhar Abbas condemned the 2016 Peca promulgation, holding civil and martial law authorities responsible. “The law’s purpose is to silence dissent and dictate to media,” he said, criticising the parliament for failing to repeal it.
Abbas emphasized the need for collective action, stating, “It’s our responsibility to join hands and reclaim our rights.” Vice Chairperson HRCP Qazi Khizar demanded solidarity with Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha, sentenced to 17 years in jail under Peca. He warned that silencing voices would push the state towards chaos, increasing the country’s crisis.
Human right activist and lawyer Jibran Nasir condemned the restrictions on citizens who want to denounce the “illegal and unjustified” sentence awarded to Imaan Mazari and her spouse Hadi Ali Chattha in a baseless case. He said the government was trying to subjugate the freedom of speech and right to dissent against unjust policies of the state.
He alleged that the Sindh government was violating the fundamental rights of the citizens guaranteed under the Constitution. The demonstration underscored growing concerns over Peca’s restrictive nature and its impact on dissent and media freedom.
