ISLAMABAD: More than 400 lawyers in Islamabad have expressed strong support for Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatha, submitting a joint resolution to the Islamabad Bar Association outlining key demands regarding their cases and detention.
The resolution, backed by prominent members of the legal fraternity — including Attaullah Kundi, Babar Mumtaz, Haider Syed, Zainab Janjua and Aimal Khan Mandokhel — has been submitted to the Islamabad Bar Council, Islamabad High Court Bar Association, and Islamabad District Bar Association.
In the resolution, lawyers have demanded the immediate filing of applications for suspension of sentences awarded to the two lawyers. They also called for formation of a delegation, including women lawyers, to visit the jail and assess the facilities being provided to them.
The legal community stated that both detainees are highly educated professionals and should be granted B-class facilities in jail, including access to television, newspapers and meetings. They further insisted that in pending cases, the accused should be presented before courts to ensure a transparent and fair trial, arguing that conducting proceedings inside jail violates the principles of justice.
The resolution described the actions against the two lawyers as “malicious” and contrary to freedom of expression and fundamental human rights. It maintained that both individuals are respected members of the Islamabad Bar who have consistently advocated for marginalised communities.
The lawyers also stated that raising issues related to human rights and justice on social media does not constitute a crime and warned that such cases amount to harassment of legal professionals and hinder them from fulfilling their professional responsibilities.
According to the resolution, the initiative is intended to reassure the two lawyers that they are not alone and that the legal fraternity stands firmly with them. It further urged bar bodies to formally adopt the resolution and take up the matter at all relevant forums.
