Former minister says prison authorities refused to meet despite law, citing national and international rights
Former federal minister Shireen Mazari addresses a press conference in Islamabad. His daughter Imaan Mazari is seen in the back. PHOTO: NNI
ISLAMABAD:
Former federal minister Shireen Mazari on Tuesday filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court seeking her legal right to meet her daughter, Iman Mazari, and son-in-law, Hadi Ali Chatha, who are lodged in Adiala jail.
Iman Mazari and Chatha were convicted on January 24 in Islamabad in a case related to alleged posts and reposts on X that investigators described as “anti-state.” The case was registered in August 2025 by the National Cybercrime Investigation Agency under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, with allegations that the content aimed to undermine state institutions and align with banned organizations or individuals.
These convictions were widely condemned by members of the legal community, politicians and civil society.
Mazari told the court that she had completed the biometric process required for the petition and had gone to Adiala prison a day earlier to meet her family. “Although it was the scheduled day, we were not allowed to meet them,” she said.
She said the main relief sought in the petition was respect for her right to meet with them under prison laws. “I am a mother. I want to meet my daughter and my son-in-law, but you are stopping me,” she told the court.
Read: Amnesty calls for urgent action from Prime Minister Shehbaz for the release of Imaan and Hadi
Mazari said the petition referred to both domestic law and Pakistan’s commitments under international human rights conventions. “Article 1 defines the mental and physical violence that is violated,” she said.
“Not only international laws, but even our own laws are being flouted,” she added.
She said Pakistan’s position under international law has been traditionally strong. “When dealing with India over Indus Water violations, we insist on respect. We have consistently implemented our international agreements from the beginning,” she said.
Questioning the authorities’ current approach, she asked: “Pakistan’s position has remained strong. So why is it being shaken today?”
Earlier, Mazari appeared before the court in connection with the GHQ case and marked his presence. “I have marked my presence and am now going to Adiala jail,” she told the media.
She added that although her daughter and son-in-law were in detention, she was not allowed to meet them. “If I can’t meet my own daughter, how will I meet Imran Khan? she asked.
