Islamabad Court Convicts Lawyers Under PECA
United Nations human rights experts have strongly criticized Pakistan after a court sentenced prominent lawyers Imaan Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha to lengthy prison terms under the country’s cyber-terrorism and anti-electronic crime laws. The UN experts say the convictions represent a troubling attack on the rule of law, free expression, and civil liberties, especially when peaceful social media posts are treated as terrorism and false information.
On January 24, 2026, a Pakistani court convicted both legal professionals under multiple sections of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, including “glorification of an offence,” “cyber-terrorism,” and dissemination of “false or fake information.” Each lawyer received a 17-year prison sentence with a 10-year term for cyber-terrorism, plus fines of 36 million Pakistani rupees each.
UN Experts Raise Alarm Over Broad Anti-Terror Laws
In a statement from Geneva, UN-appointed Special Rapporteurs warned that Pakistan’s counter-terrorism laws are written in alarmingly broad and vague terms, allowing authorities to label peaceful dissent — including online criticism — as terrorism. They emphasized that free expression should never be conflated with criminal conduct, let alone terrorism.
The experts argue that this case is not isolated. Since 2022, both attorneys have faced at least 10 criminal complaints, many still unresolved. Despite their legal work in defending human rights victims — including those allegedly affected by state security forces — they had never previously been convicted of any offense.
Fair Trial Concerns and Due Process Violations
UN human rights officials raised serious concerns about how the trial was conducted. Reports indicate that the proceedings moved quickly, leaving limited time for defense preparation. The accused also experienced difficulties securing legal counsel of their choice, and crucial prosecution evidence was recorded in the absence of defense lawyers. These circumstances, according to the experts, violate international due process standards.
Broader Implications for Civil Society
Critics believe this case reflects a broader trend of legal repression in Pakistan, with the military establishment increasingly influencing political and judicial outcomes. Observers fear that state authorities are weaponizing vague criminal laws to intimidate legal professionals and civic activists who speak out on human rights issues.
Officials Contact Pakistan Government
UN experts — including Margaret Satterthwaite, Ben Saul, Mary Lawlor, Irene Khan, and Gina Romero — have formally reached out to the Government of Pakistan, demanding clarifications and immediate corrective action to protect human rights and uphold the rule of law.
As global scrutiny grows, this case has become a symbol of Pakistan’s shrinking civic space — where advocating for rights may risk being branded as terrorism.
