Lawyers' body announces boycott of court proceedings in Islamabad on Saturday to protest Imaan, Hadi's rearrest

On Saturday, the Islamabad Bar Association (IBA) will boycott court proceedings in Islamabad to protest the rearrest of human rights lawyers Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha. The pair was rearrested after the Supreme Court suspended their sentences and ordered their release on bail. Initially, Imaan and Hadi faced 17 years in prison for charges under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) for posts on social media.

Following their release, they were arrested outside Adiala jail on Friday, March 22, 2025, in connection with another case. This second arrest occurred after a complaint was filed by City Magistrate Ghulam Murtaza Chandio at Kohsar police station, alleging the couple had chanted anti-government slogans and obstructed roads. The IBA expressed deep concern over the rearrest, stating that it violated fundamental rights and undermined the rule of law.

The bar association called the arrest a clear attempt to circumvent court orders and vowed to take measures to protect judicial independence, uphold the rule of law, and safeguard fundamental human rights.