He says that while Pakistan remains engaged with the EU on all issues, “we make a distinction regarding our internal affairs”
Lawyer and rights activist Imaan Mazari and her husband, lawyer Hadi Ali Chattha. PHOTO: EXPRESS
The Department of Foreign Affairs (FO) has rejected criticism from the European Union (EU) over the convictions of human rights lawyers Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha, saying it was an “internal matter” of the country.
The two men were convicted in Islamabad last week in a case linked to alleged posts and reposts on X that investigators called “anti-state.” The case was registered in August 2025 by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, with allegations that the content was aimed at undermining state institutions and aligning with banned organizations or individuals.
These convictions were widely condemned by the legal community, politicians and civil society.
Adding to criticism, EU foreign affairs and security policy spokesperson Anouar El Anouni said in a post on X earlier today that the convictions went against freedom of expression and the independence of lawyers.
“These are not only key democratic principles, but also part of Pakistan’s international human rights commitments.”
The EU delegation to Pakistan amplified this statement in a post on X, sharing the spokesperson’s message on the matter.
Asked about this during his weekly press briefing, FO spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said: “This is an internal matter of Pakistan, the trial and conviction took place in accordance with our local laws through judicial process.
He added that while Pakistan remained engaged with the EU on all issues, “we make a distinction when it comes to our internal affairs.”
The couple were arrested on January 23 near the underpass outside the Serena Hotel on their way to the district court and then sent to 14-day remand by an anti-terrorism court.
A district court and a magistrate court subsequently sentenced them to a combined term of 17 years’ rigorous imprisonment each: five years under Section 9 of PECA (plus a fine of Rs 5 million), 10 years under Section 10 (plus Rs 30 million) and two years under Section 26-A (plus Rs 1 million), with additional imprisonment for non-payment of the fine. fines. The judge also acquitted them of PECA’s Article 11 charge of hate speech, saying prosecution witnesses did not support the allegation.
Learn more: Imaan Mazari alleges mistreatment as court hears case over tweet via video link
During the proceedings conducted via video link, Mazari alleged ill-treatment in detention and announced a boycott of the hearing. The judgment noted that the two men were already in custody in another case and said they would remain in prison to serve their sentences, with credit for time spent in custody under section 382-B of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
